Documentary examines pandemic school closures' long-term effects on children
A new documentary called Generation COVID follows families in five states over four years to show how pandemic-era school closures continue to affect children's mental health. Director Jennifer Sey said she wants to create a record of the impact on young people and prevent similar decisions in future pandemics. The film is scheduled to premiere on October 22, 2026.
"Generation COVID" is directed by Jennifer Sey and Andrew James. It follows families in California, New York, Oregon, Colorado, and Connecticut over more than four years, and is set to premiere on October 22, 2026.
Sey previously worked as Levi Strauss & Co.'s global chief marketing officer before leaving in 2022, and founded XX-XY Athletics. A former elite gymnast and national team member, she was a first whistleblower on gymnastics abuse in 2008 and an Emmy-winning producer of "Athlete A."
The film could influence how parents, educators, and policymakers discuss pandemic-era school closures by centering children’s mental health and developmental experiences. It may strengthen calls to weigh young people’s needs differently in future public-health emergencies, while also drawing criticism from those who view such retrospectives as politically charged. Its broader impact may depend on whether it changes public memory, school policy, or how communities balance safety measures with children’s social and educational development.