Social distancing and its impact on kids

Social distancing and its impact on kids

The initial reaction to stay-at-home orders among most middle/high school kids I know was of absolute jubilation. After all, who doesn’t like to sleep in an extra hour or two? And all students have a school period or two they would love to skip. I know this, as I have a high school senior of my own. But when the initial two weeks turned into 4 with a potential of rest of the academic year spent under stay-at-home orders, that jubilation suddenly turned into despair.

While a future look at this COVID-19 inflicted online stay-at-home school instructions may provide a deeper understanding of its effects on students as well as society overall, there are already some trends visible. Most kids I talked to have concerns mostly around socializing. They miss hanging out with their school friends, peers, and classmates. Technology no doubt makes it easier to stay connected with friends and family, yearning for in-person contact is quite natural. Many high school seniors expressed frustration about not being able to have in-person contact with their peers knowing fully well that many may go different ways after graduating from high school. 

But in-person contact with their peers perhaps may be the least of a concern for many high school seniors. By the time COVID-19 hit the US scene, most high school seniors had already gone through the college application process. Most, if not all, had already made up their minds and had accepted admission offers from their future institutions. However, all those who were applying for performing arts institutions had to go through an extra step of online and/or live auditions. Some of the live auditions had to be moved online. 

Also, it was the season for plays and musicals in most high schools. Students had been working long hours — sometimes  6-7 hours a day in addition to the regular school hours — on it for weeks if not months. From rehearsals to set building, makeup to costumes & props, and selling out tickets for performances —  they had done everything under the sun. But their shows were cancelled and they were all heartbroken. 

Many high school seniors who were applying for sports scholarships lost a chance to showcase their skills one last time that could have propelled them to earn a spot in a sports program, or a chance for a potential college scholarship. Athletes in baseball, boys tennis, track & field were especially hit hard as their season was completely washed off. 

Most students are bummed out about missing prom. They are concerned that even their graduation ceremony may get cancelled and their caps and gowns may not come out of their boxes and see the light of day. Most friends and families visiting from out of town to attend the graduation parties have already cancelled their plans in light lockdowns and stay-at-home orders and uncertainties around travel.

All this combined with self-isolation, social distancing, and uncertainties in general creates unprecedented stress and anxiety in all, and kids are no exception. This anxiety may present itself in the form of “change in sleep and appetite, reduced energy, or increased physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach-aches,” said Dr. Tali Raviv in an interview to a cable news channel. Dr. Raviv is the associate director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at the Anne & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She further mentions that “cognitive, or thinking changes, are also common and can include forgetfulness and distraction.” Some young and adolescent kids exhibit a tendency to withdraw and isolate themselves socially, adds Dr. Raviv.

Doctors are also concerned about the rise of physical abuse cases amid the COVID-19 outbreak. According to news reports, Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas reported several cases of physical abuse with one of those cases resulting in death. Doctors hint at a potential link between isolation, job loss, financial stress, alcoholism, etc., resulting from the pandemic and a spike in the reported child abuse cases. While physical abuse cases can be relatively easier to detect, the signs of emotional, verbal, and mental abuse cases are hard to detect but cannot be ruled out. 

We generally assume home to be the safest place for all, including children. However, many children are abused at home, both physically and sexually. “As a child abuse pediatrician,” writes Nina Agrawal, “I typically see more cases in the fall because the abuse that occurs during the summer often goes undetected.” Agrawal expects a surge in child abuse cases once the isolation and social-distancing period comes to an end.

Some of the reactions to uncertainty and anxiety are fairly common. Experts, however, recommend that parents, especially of a child with a preexisting mental health condition, must pay attention to their child’s behavior. Experts recommend consulting a mental health professional if the change in behavior starts to interfere in their child’s normal day-to-day functioning.  

Dr. Raviv recommends a three-pronged approach to helping kids in this stressful time. First is to ensure that a child’s physical need (food, shelter, healthcare) is taken care of. Second concerns the social needs. Even in the time of isolation and social distancing, it is important to build and strengthen connections with supportive adults, including family, friends, and teachers. Third is empowering the child to freely express her emotions and help provide coping mechanisms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put us all in a number of uncharted territories. With active involvement of family, friends, teachers, and healthcare providers, we will be able to help each other navigate through this period of extreme uncertainty.