I’m sick of hearing young people blamed for spreading coronavirus – they’re the ones who will pull us out of this crisis

A quarter of young people are more worried about the economic downturn created by Covid-19 than any other issue right now, writes Mete Coban

Young people have been attacked for breaking lockdown rules, despite bearing its economic burden (Getty)

At the beginning of April, cabinet secretary Michael Gove spoke of “evidence to suggest” a low level of compliance to the UK lockdown among some young people. He blamed government messaging for not reaching them through the correct channels, and complacency on the part of young people who may feel less likely to be affected and infected.

Gove’s words echo the view of young people I’ve heard consistently, particularly from the press, since the pandemic kicked off: that young people are ignoring social distancing measures, sitting in parks and having group barbecues, and generally ignoring the government’s instructions.

I find this deeply disheartening. It’s a dangerous portrayal of swathes of our population.