The Covid-19 pandemic is turning into an endemic, something we may have to learn to live with. However, the face mask, sanitiser and heightened hygiene skills aren’t the only things that are here to stay.
The pandemic has had a massive impact on the younger generation of children, who now have memories of a different world compared to what we’d like them to remember. If anything, the past year and a half have left more psychological and socioeconomic scars across the world, more than we’d like to believe.
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The Pandemic Has Left Kids Anxious & Uncertain
A research project by The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/02/a-sacrificed-generation-psychological-scars-of-covid-on-young-may-have-lasting-impact) revealed that young adults and teenagers experienced strong anxiety about their future, while also battling mental health issues, education and possible job prospects. The shift to online learning may have been the easy way out but not all children have been able to adapt easily.
These effects will sooner or later begin showing on Gen Alpha, or the younger school going kids of today, born after 2012. These are babies born entirely in the 21st century and the ones who will be describing the “great” pandemic of 2020, 2021 and possibly 2022, to the future generations. Gen Alpha is a big group by sheer population and estimates suggest that about one billion people will belong to this group by 2025.
1 In 7 Children Directly Affected By Lockdowns
The data shared by UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/impact-covid-19-poor-mental-health-children-and-young-people-tip-iceberg) revealed that at least one in seven children has been directly affected by the multiple lockdowns.
About 1.6 billion children suffered some loss of education during these months. There is also the disruption to routine, education, recreation, as well as family income, which has left Generation Alpha feeling afraid, angry, and concerned about what lies ahead.
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What Society Can Do To Improve Mental Health In Children
There is a growing need to acknowledge and understand the importance of mental health. Not just adults but kids are struggling with it as well, and we as a society need to take more corrective measures. The UNICEF recommends these steps to prevent, promote and care for mental health in pandemic turned endemic.
- Integrate and scale-up evidence-based interventions across health, education and social protection sectors.
- Break the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness. You can do this by addressing the stigma and promoting a better understanding of mental health.
- Take the experiences of children and young people more seriously.
Mental Health of Gen Alpha: Signs To Look Out For
While all may seem normal as the world goes back to its old ways, not everything may stay the same for your little one. Children may not want to speak about what’s troubling them and that can make it a difficult job for parents to understand if there’s something wrong.
However, parents also need to be vigilant and observe changes in their child’s behaviour that could hint that something is wrong.
Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Persistent sadness that extends to over two weeks
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Urge to hurt themselves
- Extreme irritability or emotional outbursts
- A dramatic change in mood or behaviour
- Loss of weight or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in academic performance or reluctance to go to school
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What Parents Can Do To Improve Mental Health Of Kids
Parents, we can’t stress enough why it’s important to discuss mental health with your children. It’s safe to assume that your child doesn’t have an issue but you never know what’s brewing in their head.
Talking to children about their troubles needs patience and that’s where most parents need to begin their journey of supporting their kids. Here are a few more things you can do to improve your child’s mental health.
- Build Trust
- Encourage healthy relationships
- Teach stress management
- Develop a feeling of self-worth
- Reason when necessary
Research suggests that about only 21 per cent of children with mental health concerns actually get treatment. If you think your little one needs professional intervention, do not hesitate to speak to a psychologist. That’s your first step towards breaking down the stigma and helping your child in the best way possible.
At the end of the day, your child’s happiness and well-being should be your primary concern, be it mentally or physically.