Restrictive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, including the transition to online education, may have a negative impact on children's mental health, but the long-term consequences remain to be explored.
The statement came from WHO expert on psychoactive substances and addictive behavior Vladimir Poznyak, RIA Novosti reported. According to him, children and adolescents are particularly sensitive to the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as childhood and adolescence are critical periods of neurobiological, behavioral and social development. “Interaction with peers, their affirmation and influence are especially important during adolescence. "Physical withdrawal measures and bans to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 reduce children's ability to interact with their peers, which can affect their psychological health," Poznyak said.
According to him, on the one hand, digital technology can reduce some of the negative effects of physical distance. "Young people, for example, can communicate with friends in video chats and continue their education online, while staying home during this time expands opportunities for play and communication with parents and siblings." However, the expert stressed that social communication on the Internet carries certain risks. In conclusion, Poznyak said that the long-term impact of social interactions caused by COVID-19 on the development of children and adolescents and their mental health should be studied. “Interaction with peers, their affirmation and influence is especially important during adolescence.
"Physical withdrawal measures and bans to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 reduce children's ability to interact with their peers, which can affect their psychological health," Poznyak said. According to him, on the one hand, digital technology can reduce some of the negative effects of physical distance. "Young people, for example, can communicate with friends in video chats and continue their education online, while staying home during this time expands opportunities for play and communication with parents and siblings." However, the expert stressed that social communication on the Internet carries certain risks. In conclusion, Poznyak said that the long-term impact of social interactions caused by COVID-19 on the development of children and adolescents and their mental health should be studied.