The pandemic has been tough on many kids – and some would benefit from mental health support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many kids with ongoing anxiety about the virus and the future. Parents are noticing it too but aren’t sure where to get guidance for their children’s mental wellness needs.

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have taken their toll on the mental health of kids and parents. If you’re a parent, chances are that any extra anxiety you felt about the pandemic was felt by your children too. 

As we were forced to slow down with lockdowns and manage long periods of home-schooling, it’s not surprising that children experienced a raft of new and unfamiliar pressures. While spending 24 hours a day at home, parents were noticing first-hand behaviours they might not have noticed in their kids before.

It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but many parents and kids are still feeling uncertainty and some anxiety about what the future holds. As we adjust to life in a new ‘COVID-normal’, it’s important to recognise its impact on the mental health of kids and provide support where needed to help mitigate any long-term effects. 

A recent Chology survey of 1,000 Australian parents of primary school aged kids found that two out of three parents were concerned about the long-term impacts of the pandemic on their children’s mental health and behaviour. 

During the past year, more than 66% of parents noticed higher levels of anxiety in their children while doing everyday things like catching the bus and being in social situations like spending time with friends. Some children were showing more defiant and challenging behaviour while others were demanding more screen time and showing less interest in learning.

This uncertainty and anxiety in both parents and children is expected to continue for many families, particularly if we continue to face more lockdowns, job uncertainties and other restrictions on family activities and lifestyles.

The pandemic has shone a brighter light on our kids’ mental health and just how tough it is for parents to support and foster their kids’ mental wellness during such an unpredictable time.

Chology’s research also found that many parents were unsure how best to support their kids’ mental health, and where to go to find resources or help. It found: 

• More than a quarter (27%) of parents weren’t sure what steps to take to give their child the support they need 

• A third (32%) turned to Google to research parenting strategies

• Only 12% talked about anxiety and behavioural changes in their child with their doctor 

Despite those growing levels of anxiety among children and parents, almost one in three (30%) parents hadn’t taken any action to help their children’s mental health, and of that group, less than one in 10 (9%) planned to do something.

However, many parents are finding good support from their children’s schools, with the research finding that more than a third (35%) of parents are working with their child’s school to support their mental health and wellbeing.

“More than a quarter (27%) of parents didn’t know what steps to take to give their child the support they need”

There’s no doubt that schools are a valuable means of support. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your child’s behaviour or wellbeing, then a professional assessment is always recommended. A psychological assessment can help identify the cause of a child’s difficulties and determine the right strategies to best manage their needs. 

As a parent, simply being able to recognise the signs of a mental health or behavioural issue is a really powerful thing and can change the course of your child’s life. 

If you feel you or your child need extra support, there is help available. See your GP or book in to see a psychologist, who can give you – and your child – some strategies to navigate any challenging situations or anxiety they
may cause.

At Chology, we provide online, tele-health assessment services that evaluate social, emotional, behavioural and school-learning difficulties in Australian school age children aged 6 to 18 years. 

Tom Osborn is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Chology. www.chology.co

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