Background:Little is known about the potential impact of COVID-19 disease containment measures on children's mental health and well-being, particularly in lowand middle-income countries. We sought to explore this amongst young adolescents in South Africa and from the perspectives of multiple key stakeholders. Methods: We conducted 25 individual semi-structured telephonic interviews with children (n = 7, aged 12-13 years), teachers (n = 8), parents/caregivers (n = 7) and school counsellors (n = 3) from two public primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Interviews were conducted between July and September 2020 and transcribed verbatim.The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis procures. Results: We generated three overarching themes: "locked down at home", "social disconnection" and "back to school." Children had varying reactions to COVID-19 and lockdown including excitement, frustration, anxiety, boredom and loneliness. Parents were anxious about teaching,