Addressing the Consequences of the COVID-19 Lockdown for Children's Mental Health: Investing in School Mental Health Programs

Children are likely to struggle with mental health consequences relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures and home confinement increase the risk for emotional distress, domestic violence and abuse, and social isolation, as well as for disruption of sleep-wake and meal cycles, physical exercise routines, and health care access. As schools reopen, school mental health programs (SMHPs) incorporating universal approaches will be important for all children, and targeted approaches will be necessary for those more severely affected. Using their experience in Pakistan, the authors provide a roadmap for extending the World Health Organization's eastern Mediterranean region's SMHP to address the mental health consequences of COVID-19 among children globally.

Automated summary

Children are at risk of struggling with mental health consequences due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including emotional distress, domestic violence, and social isolation. Implementing universal approaches in school mental health programs is important for all children, while targeted approaches are necessary for those more severely affected. Extending these programs globally will help address the mental health consequences of COVID-19 among children.