Mental Health Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Children and Adolescents: What Do We Know so Far?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented time in global history and has many emerging challenges and consequences. While much of the world was focused on the physiological effects and medical interventions or preventions, this article highlights the effects on pediatric mental health. While research is still ongoing, preliminary data suggest a significant impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of the pediatric population. This article hopes to highlight the underlying etiology for this effect and possible mitigations including emphasis on mHealth as well as the future of telemedicine.

The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks

“…We identified 19 publications reporting a relationship between social media use and depression [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Table 2 summarized the main finding regarding each article.…”

“…During COVID-19 pandemic, the state of emergency and social isolation determined an increase in time on screen not only as a source of online education, but to continuously access social media. According to recent data, a percentage of 48% of adolescents spent a mean of 5 h per day on social media and 12% spent more than 10 h. Moreover, with that increase in virtual time depression arose [ 30 ].…”

Data-driven assessment of adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. While most recent studies used surveys to assess the status of mental health in adolescents 7,13 , we approached the issue from a quantitative perspective and compared new psychiatric diagnoses and drug dispensation in adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic based on comprehensive EHR data. Consistent with studies showing a sharp increase in reports of mental health problems 4,7,14 , we observed a significant increase in diagnoses of depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorders during the COVID-19 period compared to previous years.…”

COVID-19 and the gendered impacts on adolescent wellbeing: Evidence from a cross-sectional study of locally adapted measures in Ethiopia, Jordan, and Palestine

“…Reduced time and opportunity for social interaction with peers can hinder healthy adolescent development. 63 Moreover, in households experiencing poverty and greater economic distress due to the pandemic, adolescents (particularly boys) are more likely to enter the workforce before adulthood. 27 , 64 , 65 Furthermore, for girls, increased demands on time use for care work and other domestic tasks can combine with overall lower access to technology than male peers 66 and pressure for girls to marry at an early age due to economic stressors, 3 which all undermine girls’ ability to stay in (and succeed in) school.…”