Noting that the CORONA-19 pandemic has severely affected the mental health of children, health experts have said that the concern of socialization may be a cause of concern for students returning to schools as they are away from their friends and teachers for long hours.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, health experts said children may be facing anxiety in returning to school and have warned their parents and teachers about warning signs such as lack of concentration and need to restart schools. After opening it, the children were advised to get angry suddenly.
Let Your Children Express Their Fears:
NGO India’s vice president and country director Gracie Andrew advises parents to allow their children to acknowledge and allow their fears. Too often parents will negate the emotion by saying “don’t be afraid” or “don’t be fooled, there’s nothing to fear” – instead it’s important to let kids express their fears and accept that it’s natural to feel anxious.
Schools are reopening in several states and union territories after being closed for months due to the pandemic. Experts believe that socialization could be a cause for concern for students returning to schools as children were physically away from their friends and teachers for a long period of time due to the pandemic.
Parents can Support Children by just being there:
Next is to investigate what exactly is scaring them? Is this just happening to other children or is it the fear of getting CORONA-19. Then provide them with information on safety and the children’s low risk of becoming seriously ill, even if they are infected. Parents can support children by being with them on their way back to school.
One of the worlds health experts said teachers can also let children express their fears through activities based on age or level of development in classrooms.
Providing them with information about the virus so that they have knowledge and most importantly not to make attendance mandatory – giving children the option to go a few days a week initially and then as they settle down, the speed may increase.
Pandemic Has Severely Affected The Mental Health Of Children:
One of the doctors from Paras Hospital, Gurgaon said that parents can play an important role in helping the children to get back to normalcy. The pandemic has affected the mental health of children as badly as ever. Beware of warning signs like lack of concentration, sudden anger etc. One of the most prominent aspects is socialization anxiety as children were physically away from their friends and teachers for long periods of time. Parents play an important role in bringing the children back to normalcy.
Teach Children How to Maintain a Mask and Hand Hygiene:
But the most important thing is that parents should get fully vaccinated as the first step to address their anxiety. They should also teach children how to maintain masks and hand hygiene. Sports and activities such as cycling and kabaddi that promote interaction without getting too close to the partners are a good way to relieve their anxiety.
