Lockdown’s true toll on kids revealed

Concerned parents have shared harrowing stories about the toll Covid lockdowns took on their children’s mental health.

The toll that Covid-19 lockdowns took on Victorian children’s mental health has been revealed in a new survey that contains reports of depression, self-harm and other effects of isolation.

The report on child wellbeing during the pandemic, ­released on Tuesday, also shines a light on parents’ fears about the long-term impact of months of remote learning.

The fourth Families in Australia Survey of parents was taken in November and December last year as the tough Covid restrictions were easing.

It shows that parents’ concerns about children’s mental health were “more apparent” the older their children were, and corresponded to the length of remote learning.

One parent revealed their daughter, 14, suffered “significant mental health issues during the lockdown periods, including self-harm”.

“We have sought professional help, and things are improving now that she is back at school and with her peers,” they said.

Parents’ concerns about children’s mental health were ‘more apparent’ the older their children were, and corresponded to the length of remote learning.

Another parent reported “mood swings, depressed moods and lower motivation for schooling” in their two children, aged six and 10.

One in 10 survey respondents nationwide reported being “extremely concerned” about their child’s wellbeing.

However, about three in five parents surveyed nationwide reported “no concerns or only slight concerns”.

Homeschooling and working was a “disaster”, according to one Victorian parent.

­Another said their children had “some behavioural issues, mental health issues and did little learning online”.

A parent of children aged 12 and 16 said they feared for their mental health and future “school achievement”.

Those who had children with additional needs also ­reported more challenges during the pandemic, which the report says was “to some ­extent” related to difficulties in accessing services.

It also acknowledged that parents’ own mental health ­affected their rating of their children’s mental health.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the research showed parents were concerned for their children.

“Half of parents surveyed said that their mental health was ‘fair’ or ‘poor’,” Ms Rishworth said.

“As life returns more to pre-pandemic normal, it’s important parents know they can reach out for support if they need it.”

The report calls for “sustained attention” on those who reported having a more difficult time during lockdowns to determine appropriate support to alleviate any longer-term ­effects.