While children and teenagers appear to be less likely to be afflicted with severe COVID-19, new research is warning of a number of indirect consequences the pandemic is having on their physical and mental health.
The authors analyzed data from around the world on the pandemic’s effect on children’s physical, social, and mental health and found indirect consequences that are both immediate and long-term.
What’s more, because families are skipping routine checkups, Gill said they may be missing important developmental milestones in their children that may warn them of underlying health conditions. Gill said forced isolation and economic uncertainty can lead to heightened stress or conflict in the household, which can put children at higher risk for family violence. He said school closures may increase food insecurity for children who rely on meal programs and put them in a vulnerable position if school is a safe place for them.
Gill said, first and foremost, they should communicate clearly to children and families that health-care services are open and accessible. Secondly, Gill said authorities should explain to families why certain decisions, such as schools reopening, are being made.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rising rates of COVID-19 in children, adolescents sparks concerns about back to school plansMonths into the pandemic, little is known about how easily children contract and transmit the virus
Read more »
Pandemic fines top $13 million, study says; punitive approach criticizedA report out today finds officers across Canada issued more than 10,000 tickets for alleged violations of anti-pandemic emergency measures.
Read more »
Fines from 'ugly ticketing pandemic' top $13 million, study findsQuebec accounted for 77 per cent of the reported fines, while Ontario saw 18 per cent and Nova Scotia three per cent
Read more »
World Bank health expert warns women and children at risk as COVID-19 disrupts health servicesMonique Vledder, head of secretariat at the bank’s Global Financing Facility, said the agency was gravely worried about the numbers of children missing vaccinations, women giving birth without medical help and interrupted supplies of life-saving medicines
Read more »
B.C. abandons balanced budget law for three years in wake of pandemicWith economic reckoning ahead due to the pandemic, B.C. is beginning its next phase of reopening
Read more »