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NSW kids get buddy bubble for three

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NSW Children and teenagers who've been feeling isolated will get some relief from a 'kids bubble'.
Camera IconNSW Children and teenagers who've been feeling isolated will get some relief from a 'kids bubble'. Credit: AAP

They say 'three's a crowd' but it will be a very welcome triple treat for children in NSW who are now allowed to visit each other.

After months of social isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown everyone 18 and under can now create a 'friends bubble' of three, allowing for home visits - as long as the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated.

It's a special consideration for families during spring school holidays, agreed by the NSW crisis cabinet on Monday night.

It's been welcomed after families in much of the state have endured three months of lockdown - coupled with the added stress of home schooling.

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Every child is now allowed to have two designated friends come to their house but it must be the same friends in the three-person buddy bubble.

They must live within five kilometres of each other or in the same local government area and parents won't be allowed to linger and interact during drop-off.

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Zoe Robinson said the concession was in response to what children and young people had been longing for.

"They want to see their friends," she said on Tuesday.

"This gives them an opportunity to connect, to care for each other, to see each other in ways they've been unable to."

Year nine student Alyssa also made an appearance at the NSW government's daily COVID-19 briefing to describe how lockdown had been "incredibly isolating for everyone".

"There is a lot of lack of motivation regarding schooling due to lockdown and not being able to see our friends," she said.

"It's difficult not being able to socialise in person".

"Zoom and FaceTime can only do so much to keep you connected in times like these, which is why I think the new bubble will really help improve everyone's mental health and also hopefully their schooling."

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