Kids today have developmental issues. After many studies, pediatricians discovered that the newest generation of children are less likely to communicate their needs, be able to hold a pencil, know their shapes and colors, and manage their emotions properly. The problem is a wrecked childhood will often manifest itself into a wrecked life.
Mrs. Grace is our renowned illustrious Baby Rams guru and general childhood development expert. She teaches Early Childhood Development here at LMHS and has plenty to say on this topic.
“Quarantine children didn’t have the opportunity to socialize normally with other children. Kids learn social skills by playing with one another and being with one another. So, the social development of children was negatively impacted due to the lack of socialization.” “Another aspect of the detrimental effects of COVID on children’s learning abilities was the break in the routine that many children experienced”. “The inability to participate in regularly scheduled activities left children with a sense of uncertainty and stress, for both the kids and the parents.”
Many scientific studies agree with Mrs. Grace and suggest that the pandemic had an effect on children’s ability to socialize. Due to being born in an environment where it was not normal or safe to be outside and interact with people other than family; being forced to put on masks, not talk to other people, and not to play with other kids. Studies also show that boys were more affected by the pandemic than girls. Research says the earliest years of life are the most important for brain development.
Another aspect is the screen time of young children. Screen time is at an all time high. Many parents were used to their children being in school most of the day and not having to entertain them. When their children began learning from home, they didn’t know how to keep them occupied. Parents resorted to screens; replacing their responsibilities with an iPad or a childish show.Children only learning to socialize through the internet is not only dangerous, but ineffective. This neglectful behavior of parents has extreme consequences on their child’s development.
To conclude, the developmental issues facing today’s children highlight the critical need to address the lack of socialization in children. As Mrs. Grace and various studies suggest, the lack of interaction and increased screen time have destroyed children’s social skills. This could not only affect them in current-time, but also in the future. Therefore, it is imperative for parents & educators to create environments that foster healthy social interactions and be mindful of what technology is doing to their children’s mind.
