Lockdowns have been linked to worsening states of mental health across the globe, and recent

Lockdowns have been linked to worsening states of mental health across the globe, and recent data has shown that children are no exception. A ​study​ from the University of Cambridge has found that government enforced isolation has led to increased rates of depression in children, and that a future of ongoing lockdowns may prove to be quite harmful.

Assessing the mental health of 168 children, ages 7 1⁄2 to 11 1⁄2 years old, data was collected both prior to and during the lockdown in the UK. Looking at an array of individuals from six different schools, the team recorded a significant increase in rates of depression, exposing a serious flaw in UK (and worldwide) lockdown procedures.

The study, while frightening in its findings, brings light to a very real threat that can and should be accounted for in future policies. From the article, “​The current findings suggest that lockdown measures will likely exacerbate [worsening mental health in children], specifically with an increase in childhood depression symptoms, something previously relatively uncommon in children of this age.”

They continued, “Our findings emphasize the need to incorporate the potential impact of lockdown on child mental health in planning the ongoing response to the global pandemic and the recovery from it.”

 Additionally, teen suicides have spiked across the country. Only a quick online search reveals name after name of young individuals who have tragically taken their own lives in response to ongoing isolation and heightened levels of stress.

Yet despite these continued concerns, many are reluctant to resume active, in-person participation in a variety of fields, namely education. Teachers across the country have expressed their thoughts on the matter, claiming that a return to in-person learning threatens not only the safety of staff and faculty, but of the students.

A ​survey​ ​from the Arkansas Education Association found that a majority of participating teachers were concerned about risks posed to their health, and that over 50% were in some form considering leaving or retiring from their positions.

Whether the degradation of children’s’ mental health outweighs the potential of contracting COVID-19 is a one that people across the world will likely have to decide for themselves. Regardless, the consequences of this pandemic remain ongoing, and individuals are encouraged to stay motivated, stay positive, and as always, stay safe.