Children at risk of serious mental health conditions

A report from the Childhood Trust has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is causing children to develop serious mental health conditions.

With many disadvantaged children not having access to the internet, they cannot take part in online lessons and have an unstable learning environment, the report says. This will cause greater inequalities between them and classmates from more affluent families.

Children are also anxious about their loved ones' health, and many are facing social isolation and hunger.

Children without the internet are also unable to access online therapy or other healthcare appointments they need.

A lack of contact with teachers and GPs, who are trained to spot the signs of abuse and neglect, is also leaving kids who are experiencing abuse at home hidden and in danger.

Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist from the University of Bath, says in the report that "current social distancing measures enforced on children because of COVID-19 are likely to increase the risk of depression and probable anxiety, as well as possible post-traumatic stress".