A recent World Health Organization (WHO) assessment revealed that school closures brought on by Covid have intensified a "global mental health catastrophe" in young children. A rising prevalence of major depressive illnesses and anxiety disorders was seen among younger age groups than older individuals. Further, the school closings and social limitations have significantly hampered the young children′s mental health.

Interruptions in the daily healthy routine, healthy learning, and healthy social contacts caused by prolonged school and university closures led to an increase in emotions of worry, uncertainty, and loneliness as well as behavioural issues. Because of the Covid restrictions, some kids and teenagers were more likely to experience family stress or abuse, which increased their chance of developing mental health issues.

According to the WHO research, the first year of the pandemic saw a rise of more than 25% in mental health issues, and currently, more than one billion people worldwide suffered from the same. The study also discovered that the main causes of rising depression in youngsters around the world were bullying and sexual abuse. The WHO predicts a considerable increase in childhood mental health issues following the pandemic.

The WHO has urged swift action to modernize mental healthcare. Additionally, the report urged all nations to speed up the implementation of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 and to take several measures to lower the risk factors for mental disorders, assist children in developing healthy social skills, and create a safe environment for their overall wellbeing. (ETHealthWorld, June 22, 2022)