COVID-19 has had a significant impact across the U.S., resulting in over 31 million cases and 559,000 deaths as of April 14, 2021. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a number of public health policies have been implemented to help reduce the spread of the virus, including social distancing, home quarantine, and school closures. With these public health policies has come a sudden and dramatic shift in our lives, and this is particularly true for adolescents who are navigating a critical and unique developmental period.

As of April 2021, one in six teenagers (16.3%) have tested positive for COVID-19. Understanding the factors that confer increased risk is imperative given adolescents’ vulnerable developmental stage. The pandemic also has reified long-standing health inequities. Indeed, data overwhelmingly suggest that Black/African American and Hispanic people are significantly more likely to acquire COVID-19, and to have a worse disease course. The same is true for people who identify as a sexual and gender minority (SGM).

The Growing up Social study includes 2,500 teens across the United States. The aim of the survey is to understand how COVID is affecting the health and well-being of youth. Youth will complete 5 surveys over the course of 2 years, with brief surveys completed in-between.

• NIAAA (R01AA029923)