A series of new reports from the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills in the United Kingdom found that the coronavirus-related shutdowns have had a negative impact on children. The results found that some potty-trained children regressed to using diapers, while others forgot how to eat with a fork and knife.
Public health officials made more than 900 visits to education and social care providers across England and learned that many children are struggling with their education as they return to the classroom after schools were closed last spring.
Younger children suffered the most due to the lockdowns. Teachers told the officials that students had regressed since March, with some forgetting "basic skills they had mastered, such as eating with a knife and fork – not to mention the loss of early progress in words and numbers."
The lockdown measures and resulting isolation have also caused an increase in mental health issues for children. The report said there has been an uptick in the number of kids suffering from eating disorders or engaging in self-harming behaviors.
"Among older children, inspectors heard that many now lack stamina in reading and writing; some have lost physical fitness; and others are showing signs of mental distress, manifesting in an increase in eating disorders and self-harm," the report stated.
Schools across the U.K. reopened in September, and government officials have resisted calls to close them down again, even as the country put strict lockdown measures back in place.
"We have now entered a second national lockdown. This time, at least, schools, colleges and nurseries are to remain open. That is very good news indeed. The impact of school closures in the summer will be felt for some time to come – and not just in terms of education, but in all the ways they impact on the lives of young people. As it was in the first lockdown, the work of teachers, social workers and carers, with the support of parents, will again be critical to the future success and happiness of our children," HM Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, wrote.
The agency is continuing to meet remotely with teachers and social workers and will publish another report in December.
Photo: Getty Images