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Today @MHFScot / @mentalhealth has issued a statement on the safe re-opening of schools in Scotland and the psychological harms of lockdown.
A THREAD follows: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/charity-urges-scottish-government-prioritise-health-and-wellbeing-pupils-return-school
A THREAD follows: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/charity-urges-scottish-government-prioritise-health-and-wellbeing-pupils-return-school
Governments are rightly focused on suppressing the virus, but as leaders have themselves acknowledged - it is a balancing act - because damage is being done elsewhere as a result of the restrictions imposed. That damage needs to be mitigated.
There’s a growing body of evidence worldwide on the psychological harms of lockdown and social distancing on children and young people.
For example: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30186-3/fulltext
For example: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30186-3/fulltext
CYP are least likely to be affected by Covid19 physically, but most affected psychologically. Many have experienced trauma as a direct result of the pandemic, for example through bereavement. Others have lost the supportive environments that schools offer ...
...particularly those kids who face neglect at home. And others - like younger age groups - really miss the human, physical contact with their peers that is key to their development.
That's why @scotgov must fully consider the psychological consequences of introducing social distancing in classrooms, which could compound distress and trauma.
But more than that - schools need to be prepared for what will likely hit them in August: more pupils needing help.
But more than that - schools need to be prepared for what will likely hit them in August: more pupils needing help.
Today we're calling on school leaders to introduce more timetabled hours for health and wellbeing between August and October to help kids process what has happened and ease their way back to normality.
Now is not the time to pile on academic pressure on kids and families -but school leaders need to be clear about how they will protect academic progress and achievements, which many teenagers are worried about.
There should be no competition between health& wellbeing and core...
There should be no competition between health& wellbeing and core...
...subjects like Maths and Science. By spending time on self-care children will better perform right across the curriculum and help bridge the attainment gap.
-We’ve called for the roll-out of a Wellbeing Hour that can help kids switch off from the stressors of every day life
-We’ve called for the roll-out of a Wellbeing Hour that can help kids switch off from the stressors of every day life
-a broader range of mental health support workers in schools;
-a speedy re-opening of school-based activities when safe to do so;
-and concrete support for parents - who will need flexibility from their employers to cope with childcare.
-a speedy re-opening of school-based activities when safe to do so;
-and concrete support for parents - who will need flexibility from their employers to cope with childcare.
Time for play should be prioritised for younger age groups – perhaps in smaller groups in a way that is safe, giving children the chance to benefit from much needed close interaction with their peers.
Finally, we’ve produced guidance for teachers and parents on how to help kids as they return to school which will be an anxious experience for many.
All links available on the last page of this statement:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/Schools%20Policy%20Covid19%20FINAL.pdf
All links available on the last page of this statement:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/Schools%20Policy%20Covid19%20FINAL.pdf
I hope these recommendations & resources are helpful to Govt, local authorities & schools and look forward to hearing from @JohnSwinney, @JeaneF1MSP and @COSLA on how we can take them forward. We all need to work together to do the best we can for our C&YP.
