A year has just passed since schools and universities across Poland switched entirely to remote learning. At first, it seemed like a temporary change, but time quickly showed that both education and remote work are our new reality we must adapt to. What consequences might the pandemic bring for children?

Negative effects of the pandemic

Children during adolescence are very sensitive to changes and stimuli in their environment, and everything can influence how they develop. Due to lockdown, children lost many opportunities to experience the best of childhood. The first and most important issue is the almost complete isolation from peers. Contact with friends and spending time with peers is crucial for a child’s development. Early studies already show increased aggression among children, most likely as a reaction to the new situation. Children do not yet have coping mechanisms, so overall frustration and a shaken sense of security make them handle isolation much worse than adults. We must not forget about children living in toxic homes with violence, for whom school may have been the only escape.

The completely new lifestyle also affects children’s activity levels. Students, stuck at home in front of computers, have far fewer opportunities for physical activity. Even simply walking to school forced some movement, while online classes don’t require leaving the bed (a practice not only among the youngest).

Negative effects are also visible among older youth. Those already thinking about their future worry about the job market and upcoming exams. Greater awareness of the situation makes teenagers aged 13–17 most often describe their mental state as poor. This is compounded by limited contact with peers, especially when entering new schools and classes.

What opportunities did the pandemic bring for children?

Among specialists, the harmful term “lost generation” has emerged. Yet despite all the disadvantages, positives remain. Children and teenagers will develop the ability to adapt to changes faster. Remote learning forces self-discipline. Those motivated to learn must manage without a constantly supervising teacher. Not only children but also adults now have the chance to appreciate the importance of human relationships and daily support from others. Research by the “Empowering Children” foundation showed that many children receive support from parents: 67% from mothers, 40% from fathers, and 43% from peers. This is crucial today: not to leave children alone, but to ensure they feel supported by parents. Sadly, every tenth child reported finding no support. That’s why we should see the pandemic as an opportunity to improve family relationships. Everyone struggles now, but we all benefit if we open up and support each other.