Corona impact on children

It is yet uncertain about the commencement of regular schooling in the backdrop of expected second wave of covid - 19. However, this academic year is almost over and small children of primary classes have lost one more precious year of their schooling. Like previous year, all of them get promoted to next class with out any examinations. This may looking wonderful for both parents and children, but its academic impact will only seen in future years. Even if the schools open for next academic year in the month of May or June, parents are refusing to send their small kids to primary school fearing the corona infection. There is no problem for high school students as the classes have already started. This fear psychology among parents is quite natural but not tenable because higher classes are running smoothly for last few months. Even if these children up to 5th standard attend classes on alternative days, they are back in the process of learning. This is a relief both to teachers, parents and even children.

In India, around 1.5 million schools were closed last year due to the corona pandemic. About 250 million children are studying in primary and high schools. Added to this there are 6 million permanently dropout children remaining out of the schools. It took  India decades to bring children to schools and thousands of crores have been spent on this mission. Closure of schools has reduced access to education. Online classes still remain luxury as only one in four have access to digital divices and internet in India.  Even if the schools reopen children may not like to return to the classroom. Eradicating illiteracy has suffered to a larger extent. Online classes are really a challenge for both teachers and students as we have no experience of it. Schools are not only educate children but also it is a place for interaction with other children. They play with each other and share their feelings. Stress is increasing while adapting to online system. This is contributing to the depression among children. Anxiety is increasing. These problems will surface after few years. It is our duty to protect children below 15 years of age from the full fallout of pandemic induced mental health problems.

Covid 19 has negatively hitted on family income. Parents income, health and security is compromised. This another economic angle wherein parents are restrained to spend more on children's needs. In the surge of pandemic, chances of opening lower classes remains dim. Even with online classes they are at the risk of exposing themselves to blue films and gambling gaming. Cyber bullying, stalking and trolling is rising. Internet has amplified these risks. For anxiety and curiosity children will become victims of such attacks which may not come to the notice of parents at all. Schools must give list of  dos and don'ts. Parents has to ensure that their children are on correct site. They must discreetly keep an eye on childrens cyber activity. This supervision by parents is a must till the reopening of schools.

One cannot guess as what will happen tomorrow as second wave of covid is fast approaching. If we are able to control it by adhering to strict preventive measures, then there may be chance of reopening at least from next academic year. If it is uncontrolled, another year will also pass away like this year and children will go without education. Hence, it is necessary to have a clear policy to open primary   schools with all precautions like higher classes. Prolonged closure of schools may decline the children's skills. Face to face learning is best way rather than online classes. It has serious limitations especially with children below 15 years of age.  Denying classroom teaching to primary children will have serious effect on them in the long run. Therefore, our government has to seriously examine this issue by taking corrective measures.