Study: Corona’s closures led to psychological disorders among children in the world
A recent study revealed that the closure policy related to combating the Corona pandemic led to an increase in mental disorders among children globally.
The international relief organization “Save the Children” said today, Friday, based on the data of the “Oxford Tracker of Government Response to Covid-19”, which was extracted from the results of surveys that included more than 13,000 children in 46 countries, that the closure caused an increase in depression, fear, loneliness and even Self-harm among children.
According to the data, 83% of children reported an increase in negative feelings due to the pandemic, and these feelings appeared more strongly among 96% after schools were closed for a period of more than 17 weeks.
According to the study, about 50% of cases of mental illness among children did not undergo treatment in industrialized countries, and the percentage ranged between 76% and 85% in developing countries.
“Corona measures are important to contain the spread of the pandemic, but social isolation can cause anxiety and depression in children,” said Mary Dale, head of mental health at Save the Children. “If this is not responded to, it can have long-term consequences - Even if restrictions are lifted.
According to the study, since the start of the pandemic in 2020, children have lived under closures or restrictions by force of law for an average of 184 days, and some in high-income countries such as Canada have also had to stay at home for 13 months (402 days). The average was nine months in Europe. In India, children spent at least 100 days at home.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, which falls on Sunday, the organization stated that the irregularity of online lessons also led to disruption of the daily routine, which also affected social interactions and sleep, and thus on the well-being of children.
WHO recommended that all governments prioritize and invest in mental health and regular education for children during and after the pandemic.
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news