Disruptions to everyday life, particularly on a mass scale, have the potential to shape children in profound ways. Social isolation, canceled recreational activities, and interrupted school routines, coupled with fear of the unknown related to the COVID-19 pandemic, may be harming children’s mental health and progressing into distressing behaviors. Reports from caregivers provide mounting evidence that they are highly concerned for their children’s well-being, and the need for intervention may be great.
In the May 2020 issue of KidsData News, we summarized research that may help us understand the possible impacts of a pandemic on children’s mental health. Now, data from the Family Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic questionnaire offer us a glimpse of how California children are faring.
A majority of caregivers are concerned about their children’s mental health. Almost two-thirds of California caregivers (65%) were concerned about their oldest child’s emotional or mental well-being during the previous month when asked in July 2021, including 31% who were moderately concerned and 12% who were extremely concerned.
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