Jennie Bristow argues that, although the costs of lockdowns are tremendous, especially on young people, we should be wary of narratives that frame young people as especially vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic. This framing robs young people both of agency and of the space they need to grow and develop independently. She argues that the unique challenges of both the pandemic situation and its aftermath will require young people and adults alike to throw off a ‘safety-first’ mindset.