Children Need Stability, So What Happens When Schools Reopen and Close?

As schools try to respond to infection rates, policies meant to keep children safe are taking a toll on their health in other ways.

By Wilson Chapman
Oct 30, 2020 3:30 PMOct 30, 2020 3:28 PM
School closed sign playground covid lockdown - shutterstock
(Credit: Ayman Haykal/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in the early spring, school shutdowns helped safeguard the physical health of students. But those same closures had a significant effect on mental health, contributing to a rise in depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among some children.

That surge was one of the reasons some parents and educators were eager to reopen and resume physical classes this fall. However, many schools only held physical classes for a few weeks or even days before spikes in COVID-19 infections forced shutdowns again. That means plans to reopen schools, though well-meaning, have had the potential to cause more harm than good for the mental health of students. This open-or-shut uncertainty can act as an added stressor for children and adolescents who are already struggling.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.