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The lockdowns during the pandemic may have severely affected the mental health of teenage boys. 

According to a comprehensive academic study published in the journal European Child + Adolescent Psychiatry, after bearing the brunt of mental health challenges posed by the Covid lockdowns, teenage boys continued to struggle after, with their psychological well-being showing little signs of recovery even after the easing of restrictions.

Initially, research suggested that girls experienced more pronounced mental health issues during lockdowns.

However, this latest study, conducted by academics from three U.K. universities, tracked a cohort of approximately 200 children aged between 11 and 14, revealing a starkly different narrative.

The research, conducted over a 15-month period, compared pre-lockdown data with historical mental health trends among adolescents.

Contrary to expectations, while both sexes experienced an initial decline in mental health, teenage boys failed to rebound as expected over time, in contrast to the typical pattern of improvement seen during adolescence.

Dr. Nicky Wright, a co-author of the study and lecturer in psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, underscored the concerning implications, stating that more boys are now at risk of mental health issues compared to pre-pandemic levels.

"The key message of this is that we expect more boys to be at risk of mental health problems now than we would before [the pandemic]," Wright said, The Guardian reported.

"Girls, on average, are more likely to suffer with mental health problems than boys. But the girls in the study followed their usual pattern, suggesting the experience of lockdown had a more significant impact on boys than girls. There wasn't a pandemic effect on girls' depression. When you account for puberty and development, it's consistent with previous trends."

Lockdown measures, which included school closures and isolation from peers, disrupted crucial social interactions for teenagers.

Remote learning and limited socialization opportunities further exacerbated the challenges, particularly for those transitioning between educational stages.

Dr. Jen Wills Lamacq, a child psychologist, highlighted the impact on boys' emotional regulation, emphasizing the significance of outdoor activities and social interactions for their mental well-being.

The study's findings resonate with real-life experiences, as evidenced by accounts from parents and mental health practitioners.

Wendy Gregory, a psychologist, noted via The Guardian a surge in demand for therapy among teenage boys, reflecting the widespread impact of lockdown-induced stressors.

For many, the repercussions of the pandemic extend beyond the immediate crisis, with long-lasting effects on mental well-being, the expert said.

The study underscores the urgency for targeted interventions and support mechanisms to mitigate the lasting impact of Covid lockdowns on adolescent mental health.