March 05, 2021

Andrew Campbell 

Based on new research released from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on March 4, at least 1 in 7 youth worldwide has lived under stay-at-home policies during 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, vulnerable to mental health disorders. UNICEF’s data raised mental health alert for 332 million children and young people who have been kept isolated and anxious about their future. UNICEF, as the coronavirus pandemic stays staggering for over a year, suggests global endeavors in rendering mental health services from psychologists and social workers to treat vulnerable teenagers worldwide.

The analysis of UNICEF was derived from data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) on children worldwide dated back to the official announcement of the COVID-19 crisis on March 11, 2020. Hence, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore pointed out that nationwide lockdowns and social distancing restrictions had been a significant impact on children. Many children have experienced feeling afraid, anxious, depressed, lonely, and wondered about the unknown future.

The OxCGRT’s 18 indicators, including data in school closures and travel restrictions from more than 180 countries, systematically collect information on a large number of government policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data is also referred to as the Risk of Openness Index which helps countries to open up or close down to tackle the coronavirus breakout.

According to UNICEF’s study, responses from 8,000 young people reportedly showed more than a quarter in anxieties and 15% depression in Latin America and the Caribbean. A similar study of the pandemic on 194 cities in China also revealed 16% of respondents in moderate to severe depressive symptoms and 28% in moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.

WHO warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries across the world. In response, UNICEF is demanding worldwide governments and partner organizations for increasing supports on children in mental health, relationships, and education.

Photo:Webshot.