Lives Of Youth Research Articles

Prepared, Protected, EmPowered (P3): Primary Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Social Networking, Gamification, and Coaching App to Promote Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Adherence for Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Youth Living in the United States.

The population-level reductions in HIV incidence attributed to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have not been fully realized among sexual, gender, and racial/ethnic minority youth. P3 (Prepared, Protected, emPowered) is a comprehensive mobile application (app) intervention developed to support PrEP adherence through gamification, medication tracking, and social engagement. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 246 young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women who have sex with men (YTWMSM) currently on or planning to begin PrEP. Participants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to: standard of care (SOC), P3 app (P3), or P3 app plus in-app adherence coaching (P3+). Adherence was measured at 3- and 6- months post enrollment by emtricitabine-triphosphate (FTC-TP) and tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels in dried blood spots consistent with PrEP use > 4 days/week. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion adherent comparing P3/P3+ to SOC. P3/P3+ was associated with a higher proportion adherent compared to SOC for both outcome measures. At 3 months, the estimated increase in the proportion adherent was 0.13 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.27, p: 0.05) and 0.12 (95% CI: -0.03, 0.26, p: 0.11) for TFV-DP and FTC-TP, respectively. Estimated adherence was higher, but not statistically different, in P3+ compared to P3, for both TFV-DP and FTC-TP. Receipt of P3 (P3 or P3+) is associated with an increase in PrEP adherence among YMSM and YTWSM at 3 months. Additional analyses to discern the role of app usage and sociodemographic and behavioral factors on intervention effects are warranted.

МЕДИКО-БІОЛОГІЧНІ ОСНОВИ ВПЛИВУ ФІЗИЧНИХ ВПРАВ НА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ЗДОРОВ’Я СТУДЕНТСЬКОЇ МОЛОДІ

The article examines the medical and biological basis of the influence of physical exercises on the health of student youth. Literary sources related to the topic of the study were analyzed. The problem is described in its general form, which concerns the way of life of modern student youth. It is noted that only in-depth knowledge of the medical and biological influence will help to form students' desire and motivation to engage in physical exercises, as well as to observe the basics of a healthy lifestyle. The morpho-functional changes occurring in the human body during physical exercises are revealed. The division of the organism's reserves into biological and social is presented. The functional effects of exercises on life expectancy is described. A comparative analysis of the influence of motor activity and hypokinesia on the human body was carried out. The basics of adaptation of individual body systems to physical exertion are revealed, namely: changes in the composition and physicochemical properties of blood and the circulatory system, functional effects of adaptation of the respiratory system, features of adaptation of the digestive and metabolic systems, as well as functional effects of adaptation of neurohumoral regulation systems. In the process of research, it was concluded that it is difficult to overestimate the medical and biological impact of physical exercises on the process of preserving the health of student youth, since physical activity affects the human body in a complex way, on all its systems, processes of exchange and accumulation of functional reserves. It was concluded that with the help of physical exercises you can achieve many positive effects and affect the overall life expectancy of a person. Prospects for further research in this direction are seen in determining the level of awareness of student youth in the issues of medical and biological bases of the influence of physical exercises on preserving their own health, as well as finding new approaches for working with students in this direction in order to achieve the formation of sustainable motivation for physical activities exercises and adherence to the basics of a healthy lifestyle.

Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion in youth digital mental health: findings from a research, policy, and practice knowledge exchange workshop.

Youth mental health service organizations continue to rapidly broaden their use of virtual care and digital mental health interventions as well as leverage artificial intelligence and other technologies to inform care decisions. However, many of these digital services have failed to alleviate persistent mental health disparities among equity-seeking populations and in some instances have exacerbated them. Transdisciplinary and intersectional knowledge exchange is greatly needed to address structural barriers to digital mental health engagement, develop and evaluate interventions with historically underserved communities, and ultimately promote more accessible, useful, and equitable care. To that end, the Digital, Inclusive, Virtual, and Equitable Research Training in Mental Health Platform (DIVERT), the Maritime Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT (Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials) Unit and IWK Mental Health Program invited researchers, policymakers, interprofessional mental health practitioners, trainees, computer scientists, health system administrators, community leaders and youth advocates to participate in a knowledge exchange workshop. The workshop aimed to (a) highlight local research and innovation in youth-focused digital mental health services; (b) learn more about current policy and practice issues in inclusive digital mental health for youth in Canada, (c) participate in generating action recommendations to address challenges to inclusive, diverse and equitable digital mental health services, and (d) to synthesize cross-sector feedback to inform future training curriculum, policy, strategic planning and to stimulate new lines of patient-oriented research. Eleven challenge themes emerged related to white-colonial normativity, lack of cultural humility, inaccessibility and affordability of participating in the digital world, lack of youth and community involvement, risks of too much digital time in youth's lives, and lack of scientific evidence derived from equity-deserving communities. Nine action recommendations focused on diversifying research and development funding, policy and standards, youth and community led promotion, long-term trust-building and collaboration, and needing to callout and advocate against unsafe digital services and processes. Key policy, training and practice implications are discussed.

Seasonal migration and youth social life in the Eastern Barienou district, Benin

This study investigated the relationship that exists between seasonal migration and social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou, Benin. Several young people from the Barienou district in the northern Benin leave their homes each year to work in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Migration is a strategy employed to improve their standard of living. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal migration on social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou. This study employed a mixed-method research design that combines a correlation survey and a phenomenological study. The population of the study included 450 people. The sampling frame included not only a list of youth in the Eastern Barienou district but also a list youth’s parents and youth’s leaders. A total of 196 participants were sampled using stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview guide and a focus group discussion guide. A multivariate regression analysis was run to assess the association between seasonal migration and social life. Seasonal migration has a significant negative relationship with youth social life (β=.-39, p<.001). QDA miner lite V3.0.6 was used for qualitative data analysis, SPSS 21 for descriptive analysis, and SPSS AMOS 26 for multivariate regression analysis. The study recommended that the Benin government enhance farming sector in the Eastern Barienou district and collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve working conditions for seasonal migrants.

Low HIV Viral Load Suppression and Its Implications for Controlling HIV among Refugee Adolescents and Youth Living in Refugee Settlements in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

Viral load suppression (VLS) is considered crucial in the global efforts to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and young people lag behind adults in this important indicator. However, little is known about VLS among refugee adolescents and youth (RAY), a vulnerable group, often ignored by research, with multiple intersecting risk factors and unique challenges. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of VLS and examine associated risk and protective factors among RAY in refugee settlements in Uganda, a country severely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and currently hosting the most refugees in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot cluster randomized trial with 180 participants (ages 13-30) recruited from 20 health centers in three refugee settlements between July and December 2023. We employed a hierarchical (mixed-effects) logistic regression model to examine the association between selected demographic, psychosocial, and economic factors and VLS. The prevalence of VLS among RAY was very low at just 52%. Factors associated with VLS included financial stability, adherence self-efficacy, and HIV status disclosure. Having financial savings was associated with VLS (adjusted odds ratio:2.68; 95% CI: 1.48-5.11; p = 0.003). Treatment support from others including teachers and health care providers had five-fold odds of VLS (5.0, 1.64-15.24; p = 0.005). Conversely, older age and interactions between stigma/self-efficacy and stigma/HIV status disclosure were associated with viral load non-suppression. This study highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions targeting economic and psychosocial hardships like poverty, stigma, and food insecurity to enhance HIV VLS and other treatment outcomes among RAY.

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health of Young Adults: A Literature Review

This concept paper explores the complex relationship between social media usage and the mental health of young adults. The paper introduces the notion of social media and its significance in the lives of young adult, emphasizing the importance of studying its effects on their mental health and psychological well-being. Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily activities in the lives of young people. It has also become an invasive element in the lives of youth, shaping their social interactions, self-perception, and access to lots of information. Even though these platforms offer opportunities for social connection, creative expression, and educational engagement, they also present significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which are often driven by social comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain an idealized online image. The paper investigates key areas of concern, including the rise of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem linked to social comparison, cyberbullying, and the relentless pursuit of online validation. It also examines the addictive nature of social media, its impact on sleep, and the destruction of face-to-face social skills. By analysing existing literature and identifying research gaps, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the two-edged nature of social media's influence on mental health. It advocates for the development of digital literacy programs, mental health support systems, and balanced usage strategies to help young people navigate the challenges posed by social media while maximizing its potential benefits.

Exploring Entrepreneurial Intention and Student Engagement of Youth Living in Poverty

Graduating from secondary education for adolescents living in poverty is challenging. Strong entrepreneurial intention and student engagement among youth living in poverty often play a protective role in reducing school dropout and fostering school completion, which results in improved educational attainment. However, research on this topic is scarce. A total of 1135 adolescents took part in this cross-sectional study, 50.9% of which were females. On average, they were 16.4 years old. They were all upper secondary school students from ten public and private schools in Lebanon. They completed instruments measuring entrepreneurial intention and student engagement. This study explored the covariate associations between risk and promotive factors through four dimensions of entrepreneurial intention and two components of student engagement (cognitive and psychological engagement). It shows positive associations for entrepreneurial intention with both individual factors (age) and social factors (working mother and private school). Negative associations for student engagement were found in all (individual and social) factors with the exception of the father’s job, which did not present any association. The findings provide insight for policymaking to empower schools to promote school completion and educational attainment among these youth by providing policy initiatives and school-based interventions that target entrepreneurial exposure and engagement strengthening, hence meeting young people’s individual, family, and school community needs.

Introduction to the Special Issue: The Lives (and Futures) of Black Children and Youth

Abstract As social science scholarship on Black children and youth continues to expand and to explore their experiences, there remains a need to investigate how families, communities, relationships, and social institutions impact their experiences. The theme for this special issue is inspired in part by our consideration of Black children’s and youths’ present realities and their futures. The editors of this volume are interested in creating space to analyze and theorize the radical possibilities for Black children to flourish in a world that typically ignores, marginalizes, and dismisses their plights and their promise. Privileging the agency of Black youth, the articles in this special issue provide nuanced accounts of how they make sense of many aspects of their lives and futures.

Prevalence of Alcohol/ Substance Use among Christian Youth in Selected Churches in Kajiado County, Kenya

The last decade has witnessed a sky rocketing increase in alcohol and drug use, where it is estimated that 39.5 million people have substance use disorders (UNODC, 2023). It is opined that religion in the lives of youth can mitigate against alcohol and substance use, but research indicates that in spite of the religious beliefs, there is still a significant proportion of youth in churches who are involved in alcohol and substance use (National Study of Youth & Religion, 2024). Christian youth grappling with alcohol and drug use are caught in between following that which is biblically acceptable versus the societal norms and culture (Swindell, 2010). Thus, investigating the prevalence of alcohol and substance use among Christian youth, is crucial to pinpointing the causative factors and developing targeted programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol/ substance use among Christian youth in four selected churches in Kajiado County, Kenya. It employed a descriptive research design with a sample size of 145 youth (14-35 years;73 male,72 female), who were actively attending Sunday services in the four churches. Data collection utilized the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test- ASSIST- LITE and a socio demographics questionnaire. The data was analyzed quantitatively in SPSS using frequencies and percentages. Findings from the socio demographic questionnaire inquiring on whether respondents ‘had ever used alcohol/substances’ showed that 53(36.6%) of the respondents affirmed that they had ever used alcohol, 12(8.3%) both khat and alcohol, 3(2.1%) khat, hash and alcohol while 5(3.4%) had ever used other substances and alcohol. The ASSIT-Lite inquired on alcohol and drug use in the past three months, where the most frequently used was alcohol at n=42(28.9%), then cannabis at n=27(18.6%), sedatives at n=14(9.7%), stimulants at n=10(6.9%), psychoactive substances at n=6(4.1%) and then opioids at n=3(2.1%). Of the alcohol/substance users, 12(8.3%), 7(4.8%) and 5(3.4%) were at high risk levels for alcohol, cannabis and stimulant use respectively. The study was informative in that, it revealed Christian youth were still grappling with alcohol/substance use, and hence, targeted psychological and behavioral interventions, alongside the church-based programs are necessary.

Partnering for Progress: Lessons Learned From Mental Health Assessment for Youth Living With HIV in India Through Community-Based Participatory Research

Youth living with HIV (YLHIV) face diverse mental health challenges necessitating interventions informed by their lived experiences. Failure to do so can perpetuate a self-reinforcing cycle of misaligned and ineffective support, further exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. This study directly addresses this gap by using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to empower YLHIV in India to address their mental health challenges. YLHIV actively participated in adapting and implementing a culturally responsive mental health screening program. The study, incorporating CBPR principles at every step aimed to identify practical methods for integrating YLHIV voices in research, and showcase the value of YLHIV participation in co-creating and implementing impactful interventions. Six youth investigators aged 18-24, born with HIV and residing in southern Indian states underwent certification in human subjects’ protection and training in mental health screening and survey administration techniques. They actively shaped the research process by culturally adapting standardized mental health screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7) through iterative discussions with experts, drawing on their own perspectives. Following field assessments of the mental health screening tools among their peers, they documented their reflections in surveys and written essays. Youth investigators’ involvement improved the research process by optimizing tools, combating stigma, and facilitating reliable data collection. Beyond data collection, the youth investigators’ participation significantly boosted their own knowledge, self-confidence, and research skills. This study serves as an illustrative model of CBPR in mental health research among YLHIV, highlighting the importance of interactive training, continuous feedback mechanisms, and respectful youth engagement in fostering impactful research that can inform tailored sustainable interventions.

Coping strategies employed by transgender youth with higher and lower quality of life.

Understanding transgender youth coping mechanisms may help create strategies that reduce the influence of stress on quality of life. Our study aims to measure the quality of life of Brazilian transgender youth and analyse the association with their coping strategies used for dealing with general and gender-related stress. The sample consisted of 185 participants (μ = 18.49 years; SD 2.42); of which 95 (46.34%) transgender boys, 45 (21.95%) transgender girls, 65 (31.71%) non-binary. Better quality of life was related to social support, whereas lower quality of life was related to the use of avoidance coping style in the context of general stress. The study found no association between coping strategies for gender-related stress and quality of life. Thus, the increase in quality of life in the context of gender distress among transgender youth should involve other mechanisms than promoting coping skills.

Impact of inflammatory bowel diseases on the intimate lives of youths: Creating a brief screening questionnaire.

The objectives were to describe the challenges faced by youths with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in their intimate lives before the onset of sexual activity and develop a screening tool to detect early difficulties. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study via semi-structured interviews with 15-19-year-olds diagnosed with IBD. To be eligible for inclusion, these adolescents had to respond having not yet started their sexual life. This led to a collaborative development of a detection tool with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate adolescents' intimate life stage and to early screen difficulties. Fifteen subjects were recruited. Among them eight were males, 10 were followed for Crohn's disease while five were followed for ulcerative colitis. The median age was 16 years. Nine out of fifteen teenagers felt unprepared and reluctant for intimate relationship. Teenagers who have started their romantic journey, expressed satisfaction with their intimate lives, but the possibility of experiencing diarrhea or abdominal pain during intimate moments may be a concern. The study highlights a general reluctance among adolescents with IBD to engage in intimate relationships, and IBD symptoms may be a concern for intimate life. It resulted in the creation of a brief detection tool allowing clinicians to early screen and address intimate life issues, fostering better support for this vulnerable group's challenges.

“How Can I Get Out of This?”: A Qualitative Study of the Phenomenology and Functional Impact of Misophonia in Youth and Families

Introduction: Misophonia is an increasingly recognized disorder characterized by negative emotional and sensory reactions to specific noises. Although misophonia most often begins in childhood, there has been minimal research on its clinical presentation in youth. This qualitative study explored cognitive behavioral processes that are involved in misophonia and its associated functional impairment in young people and their families. Methods: Focused interviews were conducted with 20 youth with misophonia (ages 10–17) and their parents. Thematic analyses of these interviews using a cognitive behavioral theoretical framework were conducted. Results: A number of themes were identified, which included internalizing and externalizing cognitive behavioral processes at the individual level (e.g., hypervigilance, anticipatory anxiety, escape, automatic negative attributions), secondary emotional and functional consequences (e.g., negative perception of self, guilt, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, concentration difficulties at school), as well as significant impacts to school, social life, and particularly to family life (e.g., conflict/tension, anger and resentment, family accommodation). These themes are integrated in a proposed theoretical model. Discussion: Misophonia is characterized by several transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral processes, including avoidance, maladaptive cognitions, emotional reactivity, and family communication difficulties, as well as significant functional impairment. Developing treatments that target these processes has the potential to help youth overcome misophonia and improve the quality of life of youth and their families.

Narrative Accounts of Youth and Their Mothers With Chronic Headache: Application of a Socio-narratology Framework to Pain Narratives.

This study was the first to apply a socio-narratology framework to the narratives about child pain as told by youth with chronic pain and their parents, all of whom experience chronic headaches. Storytelling is a powerful social transaction that occurs within systems (eg, families, clinical encounters) and is both shaped by, and can shape, the pain experience. Narrative can be harnessed as a clinical tool to aid in the ability to listen, understand, and improve clinical encounters. Twenty-six youth (aged 11 to 18y) and their mothers, both with chronic headaches, recruited from a tertiary level pediatric pain clinic separately completed in-depth interviews about children's pain journey narratives. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis, which incorporated elements of socio-narratology to compare similarities and differences between and within dyads' narratives. Five narrative types were generated: (1) The trauma origin story-parents, but not youth, positing traumatic events as the causal link to children's pain; (2) mistreated by the medical system-neglect, harm, and broken promises resulting in learned hopelessness or relying on the family system; (3) the invalidated-invalidation of pain permeated youth's lives, with mothers as empathic buffers; (4) washed away by the pain-challenges perceived as insurmountable and letting the pain take over; and (5) taking power back from pain-youth's ability to live life and accomplish goals despite the pain. Findings support the clinical utility of narrative in pediatric pain, including both parents' and youths' narrative accounts to improve clinical encounters and cocreate more youth-centred, empowering narratives.

Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty Through Social Networking Sites, How Effectively Can Youth Communicate Online?

This study examines the usage patterns of social networking sites among Malaysian youths and their Anxiety/Uncertainty Management levels. According to the anxiety and uncertainty management theory, members of a group should be cooperative, trustworthy, tolerant of diversity, and happy in order to affect their membership attitude and behavior. These days, youth choose to spend their time on social networking sites since they provide an effective virtual community platform for communication. Malaysian youths exhibit a nuanced understanding of personal and social identity, motivation to interact, reactions to others, social categorizations, situational processes, connection to others, ethical interactions, and overall communication effectiveness. This study surveyed 600 respondents, the findings highlight a deep-rooted integration of digital communication into the daily lives of Malaysian youths, with a significant majority having extensive experience of 11 to 20 years on SNS platforms. SNS platforms significantly reduced communication uncertainty, fostering positive relationships and smoother communication through active, passive, and interactive strategies. Locality plays a crucial role in anxiety and uncertainty management, with rural youths demonstrating better management compared to their urban counterparts, attributed to stronger social cohesion, tighter networks, and communal lifestyles. The study suggests that addressing anxiety and uncertainty can improve communication quality in virtual settings, particularly in rural areas. Social media can promote cultural integration and acceptance among diverse groups. A balanced approach to communication, emphasizing ethical interactions, can maximize its benefits. The findings can be used to design targeted interventions and promote positive digital engagement practices among Malaysian youths. Keywords: Virtual community, social networking sites, anxiety and uncertainty management, effective communication, digital communication.

Education and human capital: Socio-philosophical aspect

Education is as a social institution that ensures social stability and integration. Additionally, education plays a role in the socialization of individuals, including their acceptance and execution of social roles and statuses. This article raises issues of the development of education as a social institution and as a factor in the for-mation of human capital. The authors present and analyze key theoretical approaches to defining the role and significance of education in shaping human capital. The concept of “human capital” is examined within the context of contemporary Kazakhstani society. Human capital is viewed as an investment in personal devel-opment and social welfare, encompassing not only material success but also improvements in quality of life. The authors analyze the main trends in the development of higher education in Kazakhstan, provide statistics on government educational grants for higher education, and the allocation of quotas across regions of the country. The state, as a regulator, consciously implements policies to support socially vulnerable populations and improve the lives of youth from densely populated areas of the country. This work was carried out as part of a project funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No AP14971423 “Sociocultural adaptation of students studying under the “Serpin” program to the university space”).

Education and human capital: Socio-philosophical aspect

Education is as a social institution that ensures social stability and integration. Additionally, education plays a role in the socialization of individuals, including their acceptance and execution of social roles and statuses. This article raises issues of the development of education as a social institution and as a factor in the for-mation of human capital. The authors present and analyze key theoretical approaches to defining the role and significance of education in shaping human capital. The concept of “human capital” is examined within the context of contemporary Kazakhstani society. Human capital is viewed as an investment in personal devel-opment and social welfare, encompassing not only material success but also improvements in quality of life. The authors analyze the main trends in the development of higher education in Kazakhstan, provide statistics on government educational grants for higher education, and the allocation of quotas across regions of the country. The state, as a regulator, consciously implements policies to support socially vulnerable populations and improve the lives of youth from densely populated areas of the country. This work was carried out as part of a project funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No AP14971423 “Sociocultural adaptation of students studying under the “Serpin” program to the university space”)

Social Causes of Abortion in Tanzania

The article "Social Causes of Abortion in Tanzania" explores the multifaceted social factors contributing to abortion rates in the country. It highlights the interplay of cultural, educational, and systemic challenges that influence the decision to terminate a pregnancy. Juvenile delinquency and truancy, compounded by a lack of comprehensive sex education, create an environment where adolescents are ill-prepared to navigate sexual health. The pressures of academic achievement further complicate this landscape, as many young people feel compelled to prioritize schooling over parenting. Limited access to reproductive health services exacerbates the issue, with many women unable to obtain necessary information or support.Fear of stigma and discrimination plays a crucial role, as societal attitudes towards single motherhood and abortion lead to social exclusion and negative stereotypes, increasing the burdens felt by women. Additionally, peer pressure, along with familial and relationship dynamics, such as pressure from boyfriends or physicians, further complicates personal decision-making. The article also discusses the implications of timing and the physician's role in oversimplifying abortion procedures, contributing to the dilemma faced by women. By examining these intertwined social causes, the article aims to shed light on the broader societal context influencing abortion in Tanzania, ultimately calling for more inclusive policies and support systems that address these pressing issues. Through a deeper understanding of these factors, stakeholders can better advocate for reproductive and comprehensive health education, fostering a more supportive environment for the lives of women and youth.

Critical Windows: Perspectives of Parents of Children and Youth with Special Educational Needs Regarding Social Wellbeing During COVID19

ABSTRACT In the spring of 2020, schools across the globe closed as a public health measure to address the growing COVID-19 pandemic. For children and youth with special educational needs (SEN) who rely on specific additional supports and services, and who were more likely than their peers to experience a lack of school success even before COVID-19, gaps in academic and social development are likely to be magnified. The current study explored the perspectives of 36 Canadian parents of children and youth with SEN regarding the impact of COVID-19 on social wellbeing during the first wave in the spring of 2020. Thematic analysis was conducted of the in-depth interviews, and two key narratives were created in order to tell the stories of families. These narratives provide evidence of the five major themes that were identified, namely: a) pathways to friends, b) isolated and disconnected, c) developmental concerns, d) siblings as peer proxies, and e) role of schools. We discuss these themes in relation to the growing body of research documenting the impacts of COVID-19 on the social lives of children and youth.

‘You’re in or You’re out:’ Ethos of Change in the Lives of De-radicalized Youth in the Kenyan Urban Margins

Abstract Notoriously placed, ghettos and slums are perceived as locations for violence, drug abuse, violent gang operations, and other vices. In Kenya, the origin of violent radicalization and extremism has centered on urban margins, some of which are characterized as ghettos or slums due to the complex dynamics of communal interactions and spatial settings. This study draws on ethnographic data to analyze the lives of youth in two urban margins of Kenya whose lived realities were tied to their radicalization, deradicalization, engagement, and disengagement in violent extremism for the Al-Shabaab network. Using empirical data, the article probes the central research question: How do youth make meanings of violent radicalization, de-radicalization, engagement, and disengagement from their lived realities of these urban margins? A critical empirical assessment of this new ethos of change as a result of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) and development actors’ work in these urban margins reveals a continuum of mixed reactions from ‘feeling good’ to ‘feeling worse’ as young people grapple with new identities, new stigmas, and new realities in reintegrating back into their communities.