Authored by Anaggha Nethra (Program Associate, Saturday Art Class)

This article explores how education can minimize the risk of induced anxiety among children by introducing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), a component that helps children be more aware of how they feel, giving them a safe space to express and not repress their thoughts and emotions in the midst of a global pandemic.

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The impact of the lockdown has exposed children to a range of risks. Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, a developmental pediatrician has reported that there’s an increase in anxiety, depression and confusion in children because of staying cooped up at home, being unable to visit places, meet friends, play, and engage in activities that they enjoy.

According to UNICEF, one-third of primary and secondary students have parents reporting that the child’s mental health has been poor since May 2020. 1098 - The child helpline witnessed 4,60,000 calls in 21 days pleading for protection - a 50% increase from their regular call volumes in 2020. These are not just data points, these are our children. ( COVID-19 and children - UNICEF DATA ).

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we do whatever it takes to help our children deal with the challenges and trauma they faced and continue to face during the pandemic to preserve their overall well-being.

Read full article here:
https://mgiep.unesco.org/article/teaching-children-to-express-not-repress-in-midst-of-a-global-pandemic