Study highlights impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health

Feelings of worry, stress, frustration, anger, sadness, loss and grief commonly experienced

- Sector News
05.10.20

A report published by the Australian Human Rights Commission has highlighted the serious impact COVID-19 has had on children and young people’s mental health, social connections and education.

The report examined data from 2,567 counselling sessions with Kids Helpline and found that:

Mental health was the most common issue raised by children and young people, with nearly a third describing it as a concern. They spoke about feelings of worry and stress, being trapped or frustrated, anger, sadness, loss and grief.
One-fifth of children and young people raised the impact of social isolation and being unable to connect with friends.
Many children and young people also said they struggled with changes to their learning environment and with the impacts the pandemic had on their family life.

The Human Rights Commission said that the study highlights the need for children and young people to be prioritised during and after the pandemic.

Humanrights.gov.au: Pandemic: Serious impacts on kids

Autism Spectrum Australia: Top concerns and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Maybo perspective

This has been an incredibly challenging and anxious time, with adults and children across the world being exposed and reacting to the confusing, stressful and sometimes frightening coronavirus disease and the restrictions it has placed on their lives.
Levels of worry, bewilderment and sadness are to be expected and it is important to consider whether the children you work with are displaying emotional and behavioural reactions that might indicate traumatic stress.
Early recognition and support can help to prevent stress and trauma manifesting and so it is important that you and your team are trauma-informed.
Our eLearning on Trauma-Informed Approaches is available here: click here