![Parents Describe COVID-19 as a `Big Problem` Impacting Kids Parents Describe COVID-19 as a `Big Problem` Impacting Kids](https://images.medindia.net/health-images/1200_1000/touchscreens-and-toddlers.jpg)
‘It's important for children and teens to maintain social and family connections that are critical for their emotional well-being, especially during a time when they are feeling stressed or isolated.’
Read More..Tweet it Now
"This is an especially challenging time for families, with many children experiencing significant changes in routine that may negatively impact their health and wellbeing," said Mott Poll co-director and Mott pediatrician Gary Freed. Read More..
Parents' biggest concerns for young people seem to be associated with changes in lifestyle as a result of the pandemic.
"COVID-19 has turned the world of our children and teens upside down in many ways and this is reflected in how parents rate health issues in 2020," Freed said in a university statement.
However, Black parents rated racism as their top health concern for children and teens, with COVID-19 coming in at the second spot.
Racism did not make the top 10 health issues for US children among white parents and COVID-19 much lower on among their concerns.
Advertisement
Children are spending more time online because of virtual school or not being able to spend time with friends in person.
Advertisement
"It's important for children and teens to maintain social and family connections that we know are critical for their emotional well-being, especially during a time when they are feeling stressed or isolated," Freed noted.
"Technology may be an important vehicle for those connections."
"Parents need to have ongoing conversations with their children and teens to guide them on safe internet practices," the researchers noted.
Families should try to maintain routines, especially keeping regular sleep schedules and helping teens resist the temptation to go to bed much later than usual and sleeping in later.
Children who have lost family members to COVID-19 may also need special attention and mental health services to help in how to understand and cope with their loss.
"Families should also recognize the emotional toll of racism on children and teens".
Source-IANS