Importance/Emerging Issue Being Mentally “Healthy” is Important for School-Aged Children

Mental health is an integral aspect of children’s general wellbeing. It has a multifaceted correlation between interactive relationships, the ability to co-exist in society, physical health, and success in school (Rider et al., 2021). In this case, mental health impacts thought processes, feelings, and actions. For example, an overweight child could be subject to ridicule or verbal abuse, denting their self-esteem and confidence. Such acts may, in turn, motivate them to withdraw socially and become depressed. In the long-term, they could be reluctant to interact with others through play or exercises, contributing to poor physical health caused by mental health challenges (Rider et al., 2021). Good mental health is vital since it predisposes school-aged children to reason clearly, develop socially, and learn new skills.

Aspects of the Pandemic that Affected Mental Health

Coronavirus pandemic brought several detrimental outcomes to children between 5 and 17 years of school-going children. It resulted in short- and long-term psychological and mental health implications, depending on the magnitude and quality of the various impacts (Rider et al., 2021). For example, due to the rapid spread of the virus, governments and different agencies recommended the implementation of lockdowns around the world. Unfortunately, this outcome negatively impacted numerous vulnerability factors, such as development, education, health conditions, and economic status. In this view, the ability to interact among children was curtailed following the closure of schools (Rider et al., 2021). Subsequently, home confinement was associated with anxiety and uncertainty that characterized the lockdown period. In addition, boredom, disruption to the normal routine, and lack of engagement resulted in psychological distress among children.

Data on Children’s Mental Health Status

The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated existing mental illness among adolescents, following the directive to close all learning institutions. As a result, school-going children lacked access to the schools’ vital mental health services. At the pandemic’s beginning, 25 percent of learners showed worsening emotional and cognitive health outcomes (KFF, 2021). Consequently, the condition worsened because of the disruptions in routines, loss of social contact, and stress from home. It is also vital to highlight that the number of parents reporting mental health issues in their children rose by 20 percent for those between 5 to 12 years (KFF, 2021). Thus, due to poor mental health and the failure of interventions, these outcomes posed an increased risk to suicide rates.

Mental Health as an Emerging Issue in Healthcare

Conditions related to mental health are rising globally due to the current demographic shifts. A survey conducted in 2020 involving 1000 parents revealed that 71 percent of the participants confessed that the pandemic had impacted their children’s mental health (Abramson, 2022). Another 69 percent reported that the advent of the coronavirus was the most unfortunate thing that ever happened to their children (Abramson, 2022). As a result, mental health-related conditions have negatively impacted all areas of life, including the ability to participate in the community, relationships with families, school performance, and work outputs. Furthermore, the condition affects health finances, mainly depression and anxiety, costing about $170 billion for school funding (Abramson, 2022). While efforts have started taking shape, more is still desired regarding interventions, considering that a minute of the median health expenditures is directed towards mental health.

Impact on Stakeholders

Society/Children/Families

The outbreak of COVID-19 negatively impacted social setups, mainly families and society. It was experienced from different perspectives, touching on economic and social outcomes. For example, after the lockdown, many families lost their livelihoods because they were forced to stay indoors (Marques de Miranda et al., 2020). Unfortunately, the directive resulted in psychological distress, primarily posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, avoidance behaviors, fear, and depression. In response, preserving the mental health status of people, including children, is vital since it alleviates the culmination of stressors (Marques de Miranda et al., 2020). Ultimately, failure to implement an early diagnosis intervention could subject children and their families to challenges at home, school, and cultivating healthy relationships within the community.

Impact on Education/Schools

Mental health impacts education and academic performance among children. Individuals subject to such challenges may be