The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and adolescents and countermeasures

ABSTRACT

Childhood is a critical period in the development of their central nervous system. Stressful life events in childhood may have both short-term and long-term impacts on their mental health. To cope with the COVID-19 epidemic, a series of policies have been adopted worldwide, such as the school closure and the social distancing, which have changed the children's psychosocial environment and are associated with an increased risk of mental health problems. This paper reviews the mental health problems that the children might face amid the COVID-19 epidemic, and discusses the countermeasures that the government, the society, and the family might take. Finally, suggestions are made to promote the psychological recovery of children after the epidemic.