Research from Camp Australia, a provider of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), has found children in Australia’s most locked-down states – ACT, NSW and Vic – have been most impacted by the pandemic.
These findings highlight the need to support young Australians’ mental wellbeing now to decrease the likelihood of the continued disruption from the pandemic impacting their future.
In the ACT, 97% of parents said children felt disconnected from friends and family due to remote learning and pandemic restrictions. In NSW (94%) and Vic (93%), parents also shared this concern.
Across the country, parents were concerned about the increase in the amount of time their children spent in front of screens (82%) and the fall in their physical activity (68%). Principals (91%) were mostly concerned about the pandemic increasing children’s social anxiety and emotional instability. Principals (80%) were also concerned about the impact on learning.
Parents and principals were both concerned about children feeling disconnected from friendship groups, particularly in the states where children spent the most time learning and connecting in virtual classrooms. Continued disruption from the pandemic and the recent flooding events are set to exacerbate feelings of disruption and disconnection.
The research, completed by Camp Australia in December 2021, surveyed more than 3000 parents and 89 principals from Camp Australia partner schools.
“We need to take these impacts like children feeling more disconnected very seriously. Because one of the patterns of psychological ill-health is that when you have a condition, you have an increased likelihood of that condition in the future. In times of dislocation like now, we all need to work harder to recreate a sense of belonging and connection,” says clinical psychologist and family therapist, Dr Andrew Fuller.
“Getting children involved in activities where they learn and socialise in a less structured environment, outside the classroom is helpful.
“Covid took the fun away so we need to create safe play spaces for children where they can learn, have fun, feel excited about their lives, try different activities and explore the world.”
CEO of Camp Australia, Warren Jacobson, says as a result of the lockdowns and restrictions enforced throughout the pandemic children “are more anxious”.
“Knowing the issues children face gives parents and educators a great opportunity to work together to help children settle back into school, redevelop a sense of belonging, rekindle friendships, and reconnect with their learning,” says Mr Jacobson.
“Outside of school, we offer a range of activities such as sport, cooking, drama and ‘arts and crafts’ that encourage socialisation, create excitement, and build confidence.
Our Big Art Competition that started last week is designed to use art to help children express their emotions through art. We know children with stronger social and emotional skills often progress more rapidly with their academic skills.
“Now more than ever Outside School Hours Care is playing a critical role in the transition out of the pandemic, providing a sense of normalcy as much as possible.”
