‘Online classes lead to stress & anxiety’

The online classes being conducted in the wake of Covid–19 pandemic has led to various kinds of physical and psychological stress and anxiety among children especially those in the lower classes.

This was found out in a study conducted by Dr Jayaprakash R, child psychiatrist and behavioural paediatrics, chief of the government medical college Thiruvananthpauram. The response of a cross section of students from various classes and parents was elicited through in depth telephonic interviews. Many students disclosed that they could remain totally attentive only for the first 30 minutes of the class and sat idly for the rest of the period.

“As part of the study we sought the opinion of parents of the students studying in governmentaided-unaided CBSE/ICSE schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas of various districts in Kerala. The exercise was carried out in the wake of widespread complaints against online classes aired in the public domain including social media,” said Dr Jayaprakash.

Many students complained that online classes caused mental strain, anxiety, irritability, sleeplessness, learning stress and loss of self esteem besides behavioral problems like hyperactivity and attention issues. Physical problems like eye strain, blurring of vision which may necessitate repeated ophthalmic consultation, neck pain, headache, back pain etc were also pointed out by students.

A section of students said they were not able to cope with online tuitions along with online classes.