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Now we are finishing our second week in the new home school phase. As a parent + a paediatrician, it's time to reflect
There are significant broader impacts on children through closing schools. But it's not an easy or clear cut decision to make. Tensions are high
I'm torn.
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There are significant broader impacts on children through closing schools. But it's not an easy or clear cut decision to make. Tensions are high
I'm torn.
1/7
Education
School closure disproportionately affects underprivileged families. All children are struggling through lockdown: exams cancelled; learning motivation reduced; progress impaired.
How will this impact our children as they progress to the next level of education?
2/7
School closure disproportionately affects underprivileged families. All children are struggling through lockdown: exams cancelled; learning motivation reduced; progress impaired.
How will this impact our children as they progress to the next level of education?
2/7
Social interaction.
Our children have had prolonged reduced social interaction. Those with social anxiety may struggle to return. Those learning skills navigating common social challenges (making friends, dealing with bullying) have had this set back.
How will this impact?
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Our children have had prolonged reduced social interaction. Those with social anxiety may struggle to return. Those learning skills navigating common social challenges (making friends, dealing with bullying) have had this set back.
How will this impact?
3/7
Exercise.
Children are less active. This impacts their physical health but also their mental health. We need exercise to be embedded into their lifestyle for a healthier future.
Being a teenager is tricky enough without being isolated socially & encouraged to stay indoors
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Children are less active. This impacts their physical health but also their mental health. We need exercise to be embedded into their lifestyle for a healthier future.
Being a teenager is tricky enough without being isolated socially & encouraged to stay indoors
4/7
Safeguarding.
Schools play a core role in protecting our children. There are many struggling families not yet known to social care. These children often get noticed by their teachers who see them daily
Now they are isolated, with nobody to notice when things aren't right
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Schools play a core role in protecting our children. There are many struggling families not yet known to social care. These children often get noticed by their teachers who see them daily
Now they are isolated, with nobody to notice when things aren't right
5/7
Mental health. All of the above hugely impacts on the mental health of our children and young people.
Health anxiety, social isolation, reduced mental stimulation, reduced exercise.
As the data comes out, and in the years ahead, we will start to see the true impact.
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Health anxiety, social isolation, reduced mental stimulation, reduced exercise.
As the data comes out, and in the years ahead, we will start to see the true impact.
6/7
However, we have a pandemic that is making our adult population desperately unwell & overwhelming our services. We need to balance the risks & benefits & that's not an easy choice
There is no black & white here. It's sad all round.
I hope the vaccine brings a way through
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There is no black & white here. It's sad all round.
I hope the vaccine brings a way through
7/7
