A recent study review published by JAMA Pediatrics, an international peer-reviewed journal, examined the impacts of school closures on children and adolescents aged 0 to 19. In examining 36 studies across 11 countries, from February – July 2020, the review discusses associations between school closures and adverse mental health symptoms, increased screen time usage, and reductions in physical activity.
Also reflecting concerns about youth mental health, last month U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory outlining the pandemic’s impacts on the mental health of America’s youth and families. The advisory followed the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children’s Hospital Association’s declaration for a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health.
Click below to read the JAMA Pediatrics findings and Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health.