NEW YORK As the pandemic wanes, experts advised it s important to recognize the impact of the fear, loss and isolation it caused on children s mental health. Data from the Children s Hospital Association showed between April and October last year, hospitals saw a 24% increase in mental-health emergency visits by kids ages five to 11, and for ages 12 to 17, the increase was 31%. But parents may not always recognize the symptoms of trauma and grief. .