The debate over possible school closures or delays has sparked discussions of children’s mental health once again. Children are very resilient, but the impacts of Covid-19 have been large and ongoing. Childhood mental health is important because it lays the foundation for social and emotional well-being in later life. The good news is that parents and caregivers can positively influence their children’s well-being, and “good enough” parenting can have a significant impact.
How are the kids?
At the population level, there were increasing rates of psychological distress in children before the pandemic and this has increased even more during the pandemic. Lockdowns and having parents or caregivers who are also experiencing psychological distress are associated with poor mental health in children and adolescents.
Fortunately, in Australia, Covid has not been associated to date with an increase in suspicions suicide deaths. Y a 2022 Canadian study found no increases in self-harm presentations in adolescents. Although a New South Wales study found an increase in mental health submissions to emergency departments during times of Covid.
And in Australia, more people of all ages have been looking mental health care until 2020 and 2021. For example, Australia’s Children’s Helpline has experienced a 17% increase in calls compared to pre-pandemic. The prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety during Covid it has doubled for children.
The pandemic is now a chronic stressor
Initially, we found creative ways to address the stress of Covid. Remember all those dance parties on TikTok? Adults and children are now tired. Chronic stressors are known to be particularly challenging. As the pandemic enters its third year, evidence shows that enduring mental health challenges they are unequally affecting those with financial problems, those who have had Covid or lost someone to Covid, and those whose mental health was poor before the pandemic.
Some have faced enormous challenges; others feel “straw”, lacking motivation and focus. A australian study However, it did show that some older children (12-18 years old) have had positive experiences during Covid. Some have benefited from more family time, a slower pace of life, and more control over the day.
Does school closures cause mental health problems?
We only have a handful of studies Regarding the unique effect of school closures (or delays, or online learning) on children’s mental health, it is not easy to tease out the impacts of the pandemic itself compared to school closures. Existing studies typically ask parent’s viewand study teenagers.
A 2021 analysis in JAMA Pediatrics showed that school closures can only modestly reduce the spread of the pandemic. The interruptions, the change of teachers can in themselves cause distress in children… but children need quality socialization and education.
What about the masks?
Emerging research shows that the masks have not negatively affected emotional development of children. You may remember Tronick’s famous 1975 study, called the still face experiment. In the study, when parents were instructed to keep a straight face, their children withdrew and became angry. Some people worry that masks will have the same effect.
But the initial studies in the use of adult masks and the reactions of elementary school children have shown children continue to interact and perceive emotions as they did before.
Simple, evidence-based ways to promote children’s mental health
Parents are stressed about decision making and risk assessments. Parental stress has a significant impact on children’s mental health. Therefore, it is worth keeping in mind that the suggestions below can improve the mental health of adults and children.
Prioritize your own mental wellness. Give yourself permission to do the things that might lift you up, even if only temporarily, and take a break from what’s wearing you down. Look for social connections that feel safe, and stick to the basics: get enough sleep, eat right, and stay physically active.
Allow space and time to enjoy your child. positive relationships and the game, the nonsense and the sharing of playful activities protect our mental well-being and that of our children. In you, your son has his best resource.
Consider opportunities to teach your child mental wellness skills, such as accepting feelings. Accepting the full range of feelings helps children regulate their emotions. There is no need to rush your children out of “bad feelings” – listening, comforting, being there and coping is enough. Breaks occur in the relationships between parents and children. Repair matters. Parents can model reparation by expressing warmth, talking about what happened, and apologizing.
Remember that perfect parenting is not required to raise psychologically healthy children.
Good quality information can reduce afraid and uncertainty for all. Giving your child manageable amounts of accurate, age-appropriate information can help ease concerns. Follow your child’s questions and resist the urge to reassure him too much (paradoxically, this sometimes makes fears stronger).
Prevent Covid infection, if you can. A Lancet article reports that adults who have been infected with Covid-19 are in a increased risk of anxiety and mood disorders after infection compared to other infections (we don’t know if the risk is similar for children).
Allow time for unstructured play (such as building a fort) – it is it’s key to the development of self-esteem, self-determination and the ability to self-regulate, all vital parts of emotional development that help prevent mental health problems.
Positive event scheduling (i.e. doing things you enjoy) prevents and treats depression, and if done together can also strengthen relationships. This could be as simple as a card game together.
concerns about Covid and other concerns should not generally be thought of as mental illness. Courage challenges can help children overcome their worries and build self-confidence (for example, learning to jump into water).
Given exposure to a chronic stressor, most people will have engaged in negative parenting. Be kind to yourself.
Human beings are incredibly resilient. We have surprisingly useful abilities to take advantage of of a bad situation. Good enough parenting is all that is needed. You are your child’s best resource. Stabilizing emotional well-being through connection, fun, and play can recharge the battery for the whole family.
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Professor Alexandra Martiniuk is an epidemiologist at the University of Sydney. He is a member of the Youth Advisory Technical Group, convened by the National Mental Health Council. Health Commission
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Linda Rosewell is a clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and their families.
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Professor Jennie Hudson is Director of Research at the Black Dog Institute and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of New South Wales. She is president of the Youth Technical Advisory Group
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Several other clinical colleagues have contributed to this article anonymously.
Looking for assistance
Seek help for your child if you perceive a problem. Signs of mental health problems in children may include: being more withdrawn, not enjoying things, refusing to go back to school, irritability, worrying a lot; changes in sleep, appetite, or energy; get hurt or want to die.
Online tools can be helpful if you need to wait for professional support. There are several excellent resources online, including: Helpline for children section for children from 5 to 12 years, head to health,, Macquarie University is in prevent anxiety and depression In children, Black Dog COVID-19 Resources For parents, This way, Attain. Parents can also discuss their concerns with a GP or call the Mental Health Hotline (1800 011 511) or the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service at any time by phone on 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
