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More or Less: Behind the Stats

How did lockdown impact children?

Mar 17, 2025
The lockdown drastically altered children's lives, overshadowing their limited risk from COVID-19. Young students faced significant learning loss, with assessments revealing concerning declines in writing skills. Child development challenges intensified, especially for preschoolers, alongside rising school absenteeism rates. Mental health issues surged, with increased anxiety and loneliness among youth. Despite some recovery in educational progress, disparities remain, particularly affecting lower-income families, highlighting a widening achievement gap.
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Quick takeaways

  • The lockdown disrupted essential developmental opportunities for children, leading to potential long-term impacts on their education and social skills.
  • Young people's mental health deteriorated during the pandemic, significantly increasing anxiety and depression, especially among young women, highlighting the need for ongoing support.

Deep dives

Impact of COVID on Young People

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disparate impact on young people, with the virus itself posing a relatively low risk to their health. Studies indicated that most children suffered mild infections, and severe cases primarily affected those with pre-existing conditions. While protecting older populations necessitated lockdown measures, these restrictions prevented young people from experiencing essential development opportunities like social interactions, school activities, and friendships. Thus, the lockdowns caused significant disruptions in their formative years, raising concerns about long-term effects on their development.

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