Coronavirus Disease 2019, School Closures, and Children’s Mental Health

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 , which was first identified in Wuhan, China, in late December of 2019 is rapidly spreading across the globe. The South Korean government has ordered the closure of all schools, as part of its attempts to use social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The effects of the school closures on reducing contagion are generally positive; however, the measure is controversial because of the socioeconomic ripple effect that accompanies it. The author briefly reviewed the existing literature on the mental health aspects of disasters and presents the issues related to school closures due to pandemics, from medical and socioeconomic perspectives and in terms of children's mental health. The results of this review suggest that research on children's mental health in relation to the adoption of school closures as a pandemic mitigation strategy is urgently needed.

A saúde do adolescente em tempos da COVID-19: scoping review

“…Even considering that they are different periods, the study of these moments may signal what happens and how to act in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. For example, during the SARS outbreak in 2003, there were reports of mild to severe psychiatric symptoms and conditions of anxiety, loneliness, boredom, rage, preoccupation with the quarantine's effect, and fear of infection in family and friends 24 . From another perspective, two to three years after the 9/11 attacks in New York City in 2001, adolescents were among the most emotionally affected groups 25 .…”

“…These experiences of adversity related to extreme situations extends to individuals' personal history. The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 may have similar long-term emotional and psychological benefits 24 . For adolescents, besides the pandemic itself, there are social distancing measures and interruption of daily routines, excluding them from school attendance and spending time with their peer group.…”

Analysis of Self-Concept in Adolescents before and during COVID-19 Lockdown: Differences by Gender and Sports Activity

“…This disease features respiratory infections, which directly affect the elderly [4,6]. However, adolescents are indirectly affected due to social distancing, educational and recreational measures adopted by the government [7,8]. The pandemic has had economic impacts and caused social disruptions [9,10].…”

“…Therefore, adolescents are in danger of experiencing negative consequences for both mental and physical health as a result of pandemics and disasters [2,12]. Likewise, COVID-19 is affecting aspects of daily life, such as educational, social and leisure activities, which present both familial and emotional challenges [7,8,13,14]. Moreover, psychological needs, such as self-fulfilment, self-esteem and affective relationships, take on greater importance once both physiological and security requirements are met [15].…”

Determining Public Opinion of the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea and Japan: Social Network Mining on Twitter

“…However, the physical and psychological stress among the general public has continued, given the continued occurrence of new confirmed cases. Psychological counseling services have reportedly increased after the emergence of COVID-19 due to the increased incidence of depression and excessive stress [ 3 – 5 ]. Previous studies also indicated the possibility of increased distress and psychological fatigue among the general public due to the escalation of governmental regulations [ 6 ].…”