The effects of the pandemic on children's school performance

The coronavirus crisis has a great capacity to affect us psychologically in many aspects of our lives, and this is also true in the case of children.

And it is that although school institutions have made an effort to adapt to the context of pandemic in a relatively short time, it should not be forgotten that, in the same way, the little ones are forced to adapt to everything that happens. In their case, in addition, they do so at a key stage of life for their present and future development.

In this article we will review the different aspects in which the COVID-19 crisis can affect the school performance of boys and girls, and what can be done when this.

• Related article: "Educational psychology: definition, concepts and theories"

What elements of the pandemic affect the school performance of children?

Each case is unique, and it is perfectly normal to find cases of children who adapt well to the transition to online classes. However, many others will find it difficult to continue to take advantage of classes, or even to avoid anxiety and stress

generated by that type of teaching has a dent in your emotional balance.

In this sense, the following ways in which the coronavirus pandemic can affect the school performance of children stand out.

1. Increased distractions

Boys and girls are more likely to have trouble concentrating on a task, especially if it requires cognitive efforts.

In this sense, in some cases distance classes can become a difficult experience for many, since being in At home the little ones are exposed to distracting elements such as the smartphone, a nearby television, the window... The teacher will have some added difficulties to know if all students are attending, since they do not have a complete vision of the context that surrounds them each child.

2. Stress produced by problems at home

The pandemic does not occur in a vacuum: This phenomenon has had a social impact that goes beyond the psychological effects it produces in each individual individually..

In fact, in difficult times like this, coexistence problems are more likely to intensify due to the psychological wear and tear generated by a more unpredictable environment. and with greater limitations (sanitary restrictions, difficulties in finding work, etc.), making people more vulnerable to anxiety and symptoms depressive

As is natural, youngsters cannot experience schooling separately from what happens at home, and this is reflected both in their ability to learn during class and in their grades.

• You may be interested in: "Family therapy: types and forms of application"

3. Uncertainty about the future

The coronavirus crisis has come hand in hand with the phenomenon of uncertainty: many things that we took for granted about the social and economic reality in which we live they are no longer so safe. This can be reflected in anxiety problems capable of affecting not only adults, but also children, either directly or by "emotional contagion" through the elderly.

4. Alterations in the way you socialize with other children in the class

The possibility of playing and interacting with class friends is part of the experience of going to school, and in many cases it is one of the main incentives offered by the centers schoolchildren. Being deprived of this source of motivation, some children may be discouraged and find themselves in a situation where they don't see the point of “going to class” online.

5. Self-esteem problems derived from all of the above

Problems adapting to this new context of schooling can lead children to develop self-esteem problems. For example, Seeing your grades drop significantly in a matter of a few months even though you don't notice you're trying less can be very hard, especially if they do not understand what it is due to.

To do?

Psychological therapy can greatly improve student performance and grades, as it enables them to develop various skills that are reflected both in a better study routine and ability to learn, as well as in a greater ability to manage stress related to exams.

In this sense, psychotherapy works through these pathways:

• Learning techniques to regulate anxiety
• Development of self-motivation skills
• Internalization of routines and habits that favor mental health in general
• Training in time management skills and study resources
• Management of rest periods
• Learning task concentration techniques
• Learning social skills and friendship management
• Questioning beliefs that damage self-esteem
• If necessary, family sessions to address coexistence problems

Do you want to have professional psychological support?

If you are looking for psychotherapy services that are perfectly adapted to this context of economic and health crisis caused by the pandemic, get in touch with our team of psychologists. On Psychology 360 we specialize in online psychological therapy through video calls, offering an accessible, affordable and easy-to-use option.

Bibliographic references:

• Anderson, E.C.; Carleton, R.N.; Diefenbach, M.; Han, P.K.J. (2019). The Relationship Between Uncertainty and Affect. Frontiers in Psychology, 10: 2504.
• Dickson, K.; Ciesla, J.A.; Reilly, L.C. (2011). Rumination, worry, cognitive avoidance, and behavioral avoidance: Examination of temporal effects. Behavior Therapy, 43 (3): pp. 937 - 959.
• Kasper, S.; Boer, J.A. & Sitsen, J.M.A. (2003). Handbook of depression and anxiety (2nd ed.). New York: M. Dekker.