WASHINGTON — Experts and psychologists are continuing to warn of the consequences the COVID-19 pandemic will have on children’s mental health.

Multiple studies have found that children are suffering mentally due to the pandemic and related lockdowns, disruptions, and ill effects on the health of kids and their loved ones.

An analysis of the recent studies found increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and various other mental health issues. Children and adolescents were found to have more difficulties with impulse control and were more likely to harm themselves.

Dr. M. Mahbub Hossain of Texas A&M University coauthored the analysis which found that students of lower socioeconomic status were being hit the hardest.

While the impact of the pandemic is already rearing its head, the full consequences will take much longer to fully come out.

“There are many factors related to COVID-19 that are affecting mental health in children,” Hossain said. “Social distancing, lack of meaningful social interactions, closure of schools and disrupted psychosocial connections, internet addiction, adverse household experiences such as domestic abuse, lack of coping resources and skills, and experiencing health-related events within the household or community have negatively impacted mental health in young people.”

Being aware of the problem is the first step to addressing it, experts say.

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