Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana July 9 Covid-19 consequent lockdowns and no classroom teaching or outdoor games since a year-and-a-half have proved to be a severe blow to the psychological development of children. As per experts an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms has been witnessed amo0ng children. During this period parents need to be calm with their wards. They play an important role in keeping them healthy both physically and mentally. So parents should encourage their children to speak up if they are not feeling well or are worried due to the pandemic so that the former can help them. Dr Manu Sharma consultant Pediatrics and Neonatology Max Hospital said: “Children are also deprived of outdoor physical activities and playing time. Lack of such activities is leading to health issues such as obesity and future risk of metabolic syndrome. A peculiar rise in screen time and addiction to the Internet has also been observed among children. When these are coupled with inadequate parental surveillance it exposes the child to an ocean of content that has positive and negative long-lasting impact”. In an attempt to stay connected with their peers children spend a lot of time on social media. This in particular is responsible for increased incidences of cyberbullying. Reports directly relate it to increased anxiety stress low self-esteem and even suicidal tendencies in children he added. City-based clinical psychologist Suresh Khanna said isolation and lockdowns have been specially challenging for children. As they are deprived of their friends schoolmates and healthy school environment one can see drastic behavioral changes in them. “Aggression and depression are on the rise in kids especially in teens. Key signs observed are changes in eating and sleep patterns. Parents need to be watchful” he said. Take care of mental health of children

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