by The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact children’s mental health and their ability to adjust to school life, even as the world returns to a semblance of normalcy. Despite the official end of the pandemic, many children are still grappling with anxiety and struggling to readapt to the classroom environment.
Persistent Anxiety and Worry
A survey by Nemours Kids-Health revealed that 37% of children aged 9 to 13 worry at least once a week, primarily about school or friendships[1]. This ongoing anxiety can be attributed to several factors:
- Disrupted Routines: The pandemic significantly disrupted children’s daily routines, and reestablishing these patterns has proven challenging for many.
- Heightened Health Concerns: Children have been conditioned to be cautious about physical proximity and hygiene, leading to lingering fears about safety in social settings[2].
- Academic Pressure: The shift from remote learning back to in-person education has created new stressors as children readjust to different testing methods and classroom dynamics[1].
The Impact of Social Isolation
The extended period of social isolation during the pandemic has had lasting effects on children’s social skills and confidence:
- Social Anxiety: Many children are experiencing increased social anxiety as they navigate peer interactions after prolonged periods of limited social contact[2].
- Separation Anxiety: Some children have developed separation anxiety after spending extended time at home with their families[2].
Lingering Mental Health Issues
Research indicates that the pandemic has left a significant mark on children’s mental health:
- A study found that depressive and anxiety symptoms doubled during the pandemic, with 20% of youth reporting significant anxiety symptoms[4].
- Children from urban, racial-minority, and ethnic-minority backgrounds showed higher levels of emotional and behavioral symptoms mid-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels[4].
Factors Contributing to Ongoing Struggles
Several elements continue to influence children’s difficulties in school:
- Increased Screen Time: The reliance on digital devices during remote learning has led to increased screen time, associated with worse mid-pandemic mental health in children[4].
- Academic Gaps: Many students are still trying to catch up on learning losses incurred during remote schooling periods.
- Parental Stress: Caregiver depression and stress can indirectly affect children’s mental health and ability to cope with school demands[4].
The Need for Support and Intervention
To address these ongoing challenges, schools and mental health professionals are emphasizing the importance of:
- Providing consistent routines and structure in the classroom
- Offering mental health support and counseling services within schools
- Encouraging open communication about anxiety and concerns between parents, teachers, and students.
While the acute phase of the pandemic may be over, its psychological impact on children persists. The transition back to regular schooling remains a complex process for many students. Recognizing these ongoing struggles and providing appropriate support is crucial for helping children regain their footing in the educational environment and manage their anxiety effectively.
>> Get more Anxiety Tools for Children and Adults at FamilyHealer.tv!
Citations:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/kids-left-with-lingering-mental-health-issues-after-pandemic-study/
[2] https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid/
[3] https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/how-to-help-manage-your-childs-anxiety-around-covid-19
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9894765/
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8525876/
[6] https://spurgeons.org/about-us/news-stories-events/blogs/in-a-post-pandemic-world-children-are-struggling-with-anxiety-more-than-ever-what-can-we-do-to-help/
[7] https://thelucyraynerfoundation.com/post-covid-anxiety-in-children/
[8] https://nyulangone.org/news/trauma-children-during-covid-19-pandemic
Ron Huxley LMFT 
Leave a comment