We’re roughly nine months into the coronavirus pandemic and the impact on children will likely be felt for years to come. So, how kids are coping with COVID-19?
Kids have been through a lot this year. When schools closed in March, it took a toll. Some reopened but many are now returning to online. So how are kids doing now, when, let’s face it, a lot of adults are struggling.
Elizabeth Anthony is a doctor and professor at Arizona State University.
"I think for younger people, it's harder because they don't have a lifetime to rely on to say, I've been through hardships before," Anthony said.
And then there are the middle and high school kids.
"Because of mental health concerns if kids have any kind of anxiety or depression, the COVID situation has really escalated that for them, and in many cases, young people being isolated from their peers is, is a really is really increasing their risk for suicidality or substance use," Anthony said.
Another population that worries Anthony are children in foster care.
Despite the challenges facing many young people, Anthony says it's important to remember that they are, by and large, resilient. For example, she says she's seeing children using humor to cope with some of the obstacles they encounter.
Here are some resources for parents and caregivers:
