Children in Britain face lasting impacts from Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has left a significant impact on children in Britain, according to experts. As schools closed and lessons moved online five years ago, many children faced increased risks, including domestic abuse and anxiety. This shift disrupted the relationship between parents and schools, making it harder for families to value education. Today, children continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic. Many young people, including those who were in college during the lockdown, report feelings of loneliness and a struggle to connect socially. One university student, Felix, expressed his sadness about missing important life events and feeling abandoned by both the government and his university. Prof. Lucy Easthope, an expert in disaster recovery, noted that anxiety levels among parents have risen, affecting children's sense of safety. She highlighted the drastic shift in children's reliance on technology, which is now a constant part of their lives. Meanwhile, mental health issues have surged, with one in five children experiencing anxiety or depression. Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, pointed out the negative effects of online learning and the need for more support for children to return to school and socialize. There are concerns about rising sexually transmitted diseases among youth, connected to the disruptions in sexual health education and clinic access during the pandemic. Experts compare the experiences of children during Covid to those of child evacuees in World War II. They emphasize that children will remember their fears and the anxieties of their parents. Frank Cottrell-Boyce, a children’s laureate, noted that children have become more uncertain about going to school and sharing with others, suggesting a loss of foundational experiences during critical developmental years. While some see positive changes, like a stronger sense of community, many remain concerned about long-term effects. Experts warn that non-attendance in school could have lasting consequences on children's education and future opportunities. The overall message is that children's voices must be heard in shaping their recovery after the pandemic.