ABSTRACT
Objectives: explore thoughts and feelings of children on COVID-19, find out how they cope, and what they did during lockdown. It was total lockdown in Luzon, Philippines, April 2020 - when survey was conducted; pre-tested open-end questionnaire was administered to children who answered either by paper and pen, or through social media, with parents' cooperation. Participants: 200 boys and girls, 6-12 years old, public and private schools in NCR-Luzon. Results: Participants heard COVID-19, pandemic and lock down from media and family; described as deadly, dangerous, contagious, world-wide, death-causing virus; about 90% expressed sadness, fear, boredom, anger, disappointments and difficult time; employed self-enhanced coping mechanisms, and engaged in hobbies and interests to assuage thoughts and feelings; family appeared as saving grace.Recommendations: develop strategies to assist children during critical events; studies - find out effects of pandemic on participants' health; visit participants after two years to find out reminiscence of pandemic experience.
