Playing it safe? An evolutionary life history theory perspective on Canadian adolescent play during the COVID-19 pandemic

Playing during adolescence is hypothesized to prepare young people to respond to unexpected future challenges. But, when extrinsic environmental risks are high, adolescents are expected to prioritize immediate-payoff behaviours over playing. It is unclear, though, how an ecological shock like a spike in community spread of a potentially deadly virus might affect adolescent play. Using data from a socio-demographically-diverse sample of 460 Canadian adolescents surveyed across varying levels of threat/restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, of whom 39 also engaged in focus groups, we explored variations in time allocations to play. We regressed indicators of respondents' time spent on play on whether they responded during a pandemic wave peak, and on socio-ecological-demographic parameters. Health indicators were then regressed on the play. Focus group quotes and perspectives contextualized the quantitative findings. There was no clear evidence of changes in overall time allocations to play during increased viral threat/restrictions, but modes of play were atypical for adolescents, regardless of when they responded. Adolescents living under more stressful socio-ecological conditions engaged in less play. The play was positively associated with health indicators. Pandemic spikes did not reduce the time Canadian adolescents spent playing, but likely affected how they played, which has implications for their current and future well-being.