Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children

Abstract

Impact of Covid-19 on children is immense affecting not only their health but their education and safety. The long-term effects of this pandemic are unknown but short-term outcomes are clear. Even though the disease per se is affecting children mildly the effect of periodic lockdown and school closure has led to issues in their learning. Children are learning remotely through the electronic devices hence it hinders their physical activity and social interaction. Being at home, snacking all the time and having access to mobile phones with less physical activity has led to childhood obesity. At the same time, children belonging to poor socio-economic status have undernutrition due to food security issues. Children with special needs and special education are affected more as the services have seized due to the pandemic. Parents of these children are not familiar in caring for these children hence their underlying condition can get exacerbated. High level of stress, unemployment, social isolation has led stress in the family and promoted violence towards children. Help seeking and lack of access to services have contributed to child safety issues as well. We need to prioritize and reopen schools in a graded manner with proper health and safety. Remote system of education is advocated which involves children with special needs as well.