In “My Turn: Let’s not forget the children during pandemic”, Cynthia García Coll paints a picture of generational upheaval for the world’s youth during and after COVID-19.
From routine changes to family death, children are facing multiple traumas in rapid succession due to the pandemic. In addition to these bigger issues, the every day needs of children aren’t being attended to normally due to parental stress and working from home. Playing, helping with schoolwork, engaging in emotionally sensitive conversations, and more are all seeing a deficit. Disparities in education are also making themselves known, especially for families who have limited or no internet access.
These issues also disproportionately affect children of color. García Coll reports more than 60% of Hispanics and 44% of African Americans in low-income households are experiencing underemployment or unemployment. There’s also been an increase in hate crimes during the pandemic.
One thing has been made clear by García Coll: if we don’t focus serious resources and attention on our nation’s and world’s children, this pandemic could scar their generation for the rest of their lives. The impact of course is unavoidable with an event of this magnitude, but it is up to communities and parents to ensure children are being attended to emotionally, physically, and educationally as much as possible.
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