Staying indoors for too long can take a toll on children’s mental health

Students, teachers, and even parents had to adjust because of the new learning set-up caused by the pandemic. Some already had adapted but there are still several Filipinos who are longing for face-to-face classes.

COVID-19 is also affecting children’s mental and emotional health

According to an expert, children’s mental and emotional health can suffer due to long confinement at home. In an episode of “24 Oras Weekend” last Sunday, some kids shared that they experience loneliness during the past months.

An eight-year said that she felt sad because there’s not much to do at home. Meanwhile, a Grade 7 student shared her boredom about her everyday routine. “Super nakakabagot po as in wala pong magawa. Parang cellphone, tulog, kain [na lang]. Stressed [din] po sobra lalo po kasi dagdag po yung modules.”

Are Filipinos ready to resume face-to-face classes?

Dr. Camposano added that staying at home without any interaction with the outside world can affect one’s mental health, especially children’s. However, he also emphasizes that the preparation should not only engage schools and students but the entire community as well. The pediatrician also added, “Dapat mababa ang transmission rate sa isang community para magbukas po ang school, para safer for children. Dapat ready yung buong community for safe re-opening of classes.”

Aside from this, a children’s rights group Salinlahi is pushing for better spaces for children to move in amid the pandemic. Its Secretary-General Eule Bonganay said, “Yung right to play and engage in recreational activities ay isa sa mga naihanay sa karapatan ng mga bata and we want to assert this right.” He added that there should be safe places where children can play and exercise.

As for the face-to-face classes, Senator Vicente Sotto III has been proposing to resume them in low-risk places or no COVID-areas. On the other hand, Senator Sonny Angara suggested that the government must have thorough preparation. In line with this, they can conduct pilot testing in one or two provinces.

What do you think?