CONTEXT The COVID-19 pandemic has kept a majority of children | Psyche-Simplified- One stop solution for Psychology Optional

CONTEXT
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept a majority of children indoors for the last 18 months. With schools closed and little to no outdoor activity, paediatricians are seeing a worrying trend of children reporting symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, rise in obesity and lack of social skills.
Psychiatrists pointed out that there was a definite increase in addiction to gadgets among children. Staying at home had impacted interpersonal skills and communication of children.

HOW IT IS AFFECTING
According to Maslow’s infamous list of basic needs, humans are inherently social creatures and find it difficult to develop to their full potential without interacting with one other. Especially during one’s childhood, social lives take on a higher significance in their development.
Lack of social interaction is creating a domino effect on children across the world.
This isolation is not only creating a deterioration in social skills, but also, when children are asked these days about how they feel, the most common answers received are ‘bored’ and ‘lonely’.
There is a disruption in the child’s cognitive and emotional stability which could in turn create a harmful effect on the child’s mental health. This further contributes to the lack of overall development in the child.

WHAT COULD BE DONE
It is important for educational institutions to not only focus on textbook learning via online classes, but also make it their duty to incorporate other skills in the curriculum, especially the ones being missed out on at the moment.
Tools like Zoom, Padlet, etc. are great platforms to encourage collaborative learning where children can come together as a community to engage, learn and create.
Attempt to connect with others in your home daily through family activities. Attempt to connect with others outside of your home through virtual means such as FaceTime, group chats, and positive social media outlets
Providing them with virtual options to engage in social interactions, while being mindful of other elements like ensuring healthy conversation and maintaining cyber security, is essential.
It is important to not only look into the classes a child attends, but also cater to the child’s social needs in order for them to develop in a holistic manner.

#CHILDDEVELOPMENT #COGNITIVE #MASLOWHEIRARCHYOFNEEDS