Children's mental health a 'grave concern' for parents during lockdown

More than half of parents who spoke to Save the Children said they were worried about their child’s mental health in the first survey of its kind since the coronavirus lockdown came into force last month.

It is now calling on the public to support an emergency appeal to help those families “who are hardest hit” by coronavirus.

As families near the end of a second week of isolation, 56 per cent of parents voiced concerns about their children, at a time when schools are closed and contact with friends and family is restricted.

Join our new coronavirus Facebook group for the latest confirmed news and advice as soon as we get it www.facebook.com/groups/yorkshirecoronavirus Children aged from six to 18 told researchers they were most concerned about a family member becoming ill (58 per cent) and not being able to see friends (46 per cent).

Financial pressures were shown to be affecting children, with a quarter worried about food running out. More than half of parents voiced the same concern, while 17 per cent said they were having to reduce their working hours and 12 per cent had been forced to take unpaid leave to manage childcare. One in 10 have had to leave their job completely, while a quarter said they were juggling home educating with fulfilling their own work responsibilities from home.

When asked about the biggest practical concerns that came with looking after their families, parents said ensuring they have food supplies (48 per cent), helping children with schoolwork (44 per cent) and money (38 per cent) were the main worries. Explaining the situation to their child was also a worry for two in five parents.

Children also voiced concerns about keeping up with school work, with one in five worried about their education, while the same amount were worried about their future now schools are shut indefinitely.

An overwhelming 85 per cent of the children surveyed said they were upset about not seeing friends and relatives for the foreseeable future due to the unfolding coronavirus outbreak.

The survey comes as Save the Children launches a fundraising appeal for vulnerable children affected by the pandemic, as well as a series of initiatives throughout the country to support those children most in need during this unprecedented time of social and economic upheaval.

A new emergency grants programme will aim to reach thousands of struggling families who are feeling the economic effects of the unfolding situation “most acutely”.

It makes sure families have access to early learning resources, as well as goods like tables and beds, to help build home environments in which children can “continue to learn and thrive”.

The programme will also support vulnerable families with gifts in kind and food vouchers, to help them make ends meet.

Senior humanitarian and leadership advisor at Save the Children, Deb Barry, said: “Throughout this challenging time, we’re here to support families by focusing on keeping children safe and healthy, and making sure they can keep learning, no matter what.

“Even before the coronavirus outbreak, four million children lived in poverty in the UK. We can’t let that number rise.

“Through our emergency programming we will provide those who need it most with essential food vouchers and cash grants to ensure that as many children as possible will be kept out of poverty during these unprecedented times.”

To donate to Save the Children’s Coronavirus Appeal please visit www.savethechildren.org.uk

FREE creative resources and activities aimed at keeping children ‘calm and connected’ are available online as part of the campaign.

Save the Children have set up the online resource, The Den, to help caregivers looking after children at different ages and stages. It has been developed by the charity’s early learning experts, and features some of the country’s best-loved celebrities and brands.

Resources available will include ideas for keeping children calm and connected, creative play, fitness and food activities, and a corona-free zone including stories of happiness and hope from children across the world.

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