A poll initiated by the University of Michigan detailed how the recent global pandemic affected the mental health of teenagers.
Beginning in the first stages of the pandemic in early-Spring of 2020, at least 46 percent of parents stated that their child exhibited indications of worsening mental health as a result of pandemic-related restrictions.
The poll included responses from nearly 1,000 parents of children aged 13 to 18.
Of the female participants who took part in the study, one in three reported exhibiting increased anxiety, while only one in five did among the male participants, the poll suggested.
Furthermore, the poll also unveiled sleep problems, withdrawal from familial figures, and aggression among the young participants, as a result of the pandemic.
“Parents play a critical role in helping their teens cope with the stress of the pandemic,” said one of the co-authors in a news article.
“There are strategies parents can engage to help, whether or not their teen is showing signs of problems. One of the most important things for parents to do is keep lines of communication open; ask their teen how they are doing and create the space for them to speak honestly so they can provide help when needed.”
The findings from the poll highlighted several tips on improving the mental health of children after a pandemic. Suggestions by experts are as follows: Relaxing familial rules, consulting with an expert, trying a web-based program, keeping communication open but also giving space, encouraging, and sleep hygiene.
