Revitalizing Adolescent Health Behavior After the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a prospective cohort study of public high school students in Northern California, Chaffee et al observed a decline in physical activity frequency during the stay-at-home orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but no change was observed in the frequency of substance use (ie, e-cigarettes, other tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol). The direct consequences of COVID-19 infection have received unprecedented scientific attention, but the indirect consequences that countermeasures to stem the spread of COVID-19 have had on health-related behaviors are less understood and may have long-term health consequences. The study by Chaffee et al helps address a critical gap in the understanding of how stay-at-home restrictions have had unintended implications for health-related behaviors in youth. We contend that such consequences could be prevented if similar circumstances arise in the future.