The Confeado study explored the social determinants associated with psychological distress among children and adolescents during and following the first COVID-19 lockdown in France. The results underscore the need to promote the mental health of adolescents and children, and to pay close attention to girls and socioeconomically vulnerable families. This study highlights the structural determinants that influence young people’s mental health and emphasizes the importance of socially differentiated public policies during pandemics to mitigate their harmful effects.