More than 140,000 children in the United States have experienced the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID-19.
Many families have also lost jobs and had vital supports, such as school, health care services, and other community programs, interrupted and put on hold, putting a mental strain on children, whether or not they realize it.
According to research, 71% of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child's mental health and 69% said the pandemic was the worst thing to happen to their child.
A national survey of 3,300 high schoolers conducted in spring 2020 found close to a third of students felt unhappy and depressed much more than usual.
Even after the pandemic subsides, its mental health effects on children will be around for much longer.
Stephanie Bolster McCannon is an author, teacher, self-development expert, and creator of the BolsterUP Method. She lives a life dedicated to helping people improve their productivity and happiness.
Stephanie shares:
The reasons why children's mental health is suffering.
How to tell if your kid is suffering.
How to foster a social setting for your child, even as we feel more disconnected than ever.