COVID-19 – Protecting children's psychological health Nagaraj Keerthy1*, Kaur Aninditya2, Rakesh N.3 1Research Scholar, University of Sunderland, London, United Kingdom 2Consultant Radiologist, DMD Imaging Gurgaon, Delhi 3Assoc. Dean (Research) and Reader, Dept. of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. Bangalore *Corresponding Author E-mail: keerthy83@gmail.com
Online published on 9 April, 2021. Abstract Since the beginning of 2020, the world has started talking about the deadly Coronavirus disease (COVID19); a novel coronavirus causing pneumonia and death - originated in Wuhan, Hubei province in China in December 2019 which has rapidly spread all over the world. WHO has declared COVID19 as a pandemic in March 2020. According to current statistics, 20, 697, 718 people have been confirmed to have Covid-19, leading to a total of 749, 594 losing their lives. Countries have been struggling to contain the spread of the disease forcing many to impose complete lockdown and restrictions. Leading to a huge socio-economic impact all over the world. With all the economic and educational activities to halt, COVID19 may spread its ill-effects on the mental health of people as well. Although children seem to be immune to the disease so far, for possible reasons discussed further in this article. They are the most vulnerable group to be affected mentally, as they are not getting adequate physical and mental stimulation which the school and other co-curricular activities would otherwise provide. The consequences of global lockdown, change in routine, and not socializing can result in increased anxiety and stress levels leading to a broad range of other mental and behavioral issues, which can have a lasting effect on children and could be worse in children with existing mental and other learning difficulties. Quarantine or Isolation is unavoidable in pandemic and separation from loved ones and boredom can cause irreparable damage to mental well-being. It is therefore essential for parents to provide the right guidance and knowledge to children; provide a listening ear and be sympathetic to their questions; keep them busy with various activities, exercise or walk (where allowed!) which would avoid a lot of anxiety – keeping them both physically and mentally healthy. Top Keywords Coronavirus Disease, Quarantine, Vulnerable Children, Stress, Anxiety, Psychological Health, Radicalisation. Top |