The impact of a child’s surroundings on their mental well-being cannot be underestimated. The outbreak of COVID-19 brought about a host of challenges that significantly influenced the mental health of individuals across all age groups, including children. These challenges stemmed from various factors such as social isolation and alterations in the behavior of caregivers. Recognizing the potential issues that children may encounter as a consequence of the pandemic is crucial in enabling guardians to address and support their child’s evolving mental health needs.
Fear of the Dark
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of children reporting a fear of the dark. What is even more surprising is that this fear appears to persist beyond the age range where it is typically experienced. Experts in behavior suggest that this phenomenon can be attributed to the heightened level of stress and anxiety that children have been experiencing as a result of the pandemic. They believe that the fear of the dark is comparable to the fear of COVID-19, as both are intangible and abstract concepts that can be difficult for young children to comprehend.
Changes in Children’s Ability to Pay Attention
Children of all age groups have been observed to undergo significant changes in their capacity to pay attention. According to a study that examined issues identified by caregivers, the combination of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity ranked as the second most prevalent problem category. Numerous caregivers reported that online classes had a negative impact on their child’s ability to concentrate. Furthermore, the absence of physical exercise was frequently cited as a reason for children being described as “fidgety” and having “excess energy.”