Assessing the impact of virus

Many of us underestimate the anxiety that children can feel returning to school and processing the impact of COVID-19 on themselves, their families and friends.

I have to say myself included, as I have tried desperately during the past few weeks to help my youngest re-adapt, crying each morning that she “should be home schooled”and finding it difficult to comprehend what has changed in terms of risk. The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children I expect, will be a long-term challenge as it becomes increasingly apparent that the pandemic has rocked their world alongside their sense of childhood invulnerability.

As mental health spokesperson for SNP at Westminster, I have been supporting the Child Mental Health Charter Campaign that has called on the Government to prioritise children’s mental health on their return to school as a matter of urgency.

Supporting this call, over half of parents in a recent survey conducted by YouGov involving 2559 parents with children aged 5-18 years found that one third of children told their parents that they felt more anxious, sad and stressed from March 2020 than before lockdown, whilst two thirds of parents said that the behaviour of their children had changed.

More than half of parents said of their three biggest worries stemming from COVID-19, the mental health of their children came top.

Sources of childhood anxiety include missed education, distant friendships, worries about how to re-build them and starting school again after the prolonged break.

Recent correspondence with Clare Haughey mental health minister confirmed that the Scottish Government are aware of many of these issues and are funding additional supports for both parents and children.

Young Scot’ has created an information and signposting resource ‘Aye Feel’ capable of regular updates based upon what children and young people say they need and The Scottish Youth and Children’s Parliament have launched a digital resource called ‘Mind Yer Time’ to teach children about healthy use of social media. The Scottish Government have allocated £2m of new funding to local authorities to specifically support the planning and development of new community and wellbeing services for 5-25 year olds. It appears absolutely

For us to go back into lockdown is devastating news....

crucial that this funding reaches schools and frontline child and adolescent mental health services.

I will be writing to South Lanarkshire Council to request further details of this invaluable work.

Across our constituency, we had the devastating news last week that we are entering a new phase of local lockdown, necessary to contain spread of the pandemic.

We have all been struggling with COVID-19 in so many ways but had finally felt that we were seeing the ‘end of the road’ in terms of phases of progress.

I know this has come as a total shock and set back therefore for so many.

We must remain resilient however, and collectively take these crucial steps together, supporting our local recovery, protecting others and protecting our NHS.

Please never hesitate to get in touch with me directly on lisa.cameron.mp@parliament.uk if you need any assistance of any kind.