Eluned Morgan from the Welsh Government cabinet was recently given a change of responsibilities from international relations to health issues, including autism, dementia, obesity, and mental health. Parliament has particular concern over children's mental health, which has been "collateral damage" of the coronavirus pandemic.
In July, primary and high school teachers reported that some students had become more vulnerable when lockdown measures were implemented. Children have been referred to counseling services during the pandemic, shared one of the primary schools.
Assistant Head Teacher Zoë Jermin-Jones from the primary school Ysgol Brynsierfel said staying at home is like Chrismas days for the students. Some of the counseling services were done via zoom.
I am delighted that in my new role I will be able to work
with partners across #Wales on so many of the causes that I have championed over many yrs. #Covid19 has highlighted the impact of isolation on #mentalhealth & the @WelshGovernment will continue to stand by those who suffer pic.twitter.com/PJGM0GjUjc — Eluned Morgan (@Eluned_Morgan) October 8, 2020
Students Become Vulnerable
Some of the children were developing phobias. Ms. Jermin-Jones shared that one of her students who used to be happy-go-lucky and confident developed trypophobia or the fear of holes. The girl's worry about the nationwide lockdown resulted in nightmares.
Assistant headteacher Aled Rogers from the secondary school Ysgol Garth Olwg reported similar cases for older students. A new group of previously invulnerable children became vulnerable during the pandemic.
The students were given questionnaires to determine their struggles. Their answers revealed that some worried about getting behind with school requirements while others had social anxieties, including how to behave because of coronavirus. Others needed additional support, such as counseling.
By September, several campuses reopened after closing down in March. Classrooms were only filled with 50% capacity for school authorities to establish how to continue classes safely.
Implementing physical distancing and other safety measures while maintaining the standard curriculum was a challenge, shared teachers. It was especially challenging for large schools, such as the Y Pant Comprehensive School, which had 1,400 students.
Government Efforts in Children's Mental Health Issues
Despite efforts to help vulnerable children during the pandemic, especially those with mental health issues, Senedd's Children, Young People, and Education Committee shared that there are still many improvements needed. Health and local government efforts, such as social services, are still insufficient, shared the committee.
Laura Anne Jones from the Welsh Conservatives shared the importance of listening to students and young people. Inaction and delay of efforts regarding mental health may "have a long-term impact and continue to be felt long after the pandemic has passed."
Ms. Morgan said that the pandemic "has highlighted the impact of isolation on people's mental health, and we will stand by individuals who continue to suffer in these difficult times."
Since the 2018 Mind Over Matter report, another government spokesperson mentioned efforts that tackled the needed changes in emotional and mental health support for the Welsh youth. The committee promised to continue working on the emotional and well-being support and treatment required, especially with the pandemic changing mental health needs.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams shared in April, when the government released funds for children's mental health, that the virus "causing additional anxiety for people of all ages, not least children and young people." It is expected that the demand for mental health support for younger people will increase.
Read Also : Families Can Support Kids' Mental Health Whether They're Learning Remotely or at School - Here's How
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