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UNICEF: 'For 1 in 7 children almost a year in lockdown'

2021-03-04T11:11:38.610Z


New study, there are 332 million in the world. More anxious and depressed young people (ANSA)


At least one in 7 children or young people - or 332 million worldwide - has lived for at least 9 months, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, under national measures that included the obligation or recommendation to stay at home, putting their mental health and well-being at risk.

This was revealed by a Unicef ​​study that used data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. 

More anxious and depressed young people

 - With the start of the second year of the pandemic, the impact on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children and young people is strong.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, a recent UNICEF U-Report survey of young people generated more than 8,000 responses and found that over a quarter felt anxious, 15% depressed.

Even before the pandemic, Unicef ​​notes, children and young people bore the brunt of mental health risks, with half of all mental disorders developing before age 15 and 75 percent by early adulthood.

Most of the 800,000 people who die from suicide each year are young, and self-harm is the third leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds, with the highest rates among teenage girls.

Overall, it is estimated that one in four children live with a parent who has a mental disorder.

For children experiencing violence, neglect or abuse at home, the closures have left many of them with abusers and without the support of teachers, relatives and communities.

Children from vulnerable population groups - such as those living and working on the street, children with disabilities and those living in conflict settings - risk having their mental health needs completely neglected.

According to the WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of the world's countries, while the demand for mental health support is on the rise.

A study of 194 cities in China showed that 16% of respondents reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the pandemic and 28% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.


Source: ansa

All life articles on 2021-03-04

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