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Two recent reports highlight mental health struggles children are continuing to experience.
The Children s Hospital Association and American Academy of Pediatrics found a nearly 20% spike in young people attempting suicide, and more than a 40% increase in disruptive behavior disorders. I don t know if I m surprised. I m saddened, said Rob Katz, a father of two Wake County students.
Prior to the district s decision to reopen schools earlier this month, Katz had advocated for the move, and voiced concerns over the impact the pandemic was having on children, both in and outside the classroom. I just think that the impact that it s having on our kids need to and should have been more of a consideration in some of these policies, Katz said.
School districts are taking a cautious approach over a return to in-person instruction, as COVID-19 metrics worsen statewide.
While many students now have a better handle on remote instruction, that doesn t mean it s been an easy transition. We know kids do best in in-person school environments. The research is really clear on that. And there are a lot of parents who want their kids to go back to school, but can t, said Whitney Tucker, the Policy Director for the advocacy group NC Child.
Tucker acknowledged the difficult position many school boards are in, as they balance safety concerns presented by the virus and the importance of learning and socialization growth. She believes districts need to assess their community s respective metrics and ability to handle students and staff in the classroom.