Long home confinement of children dangerous due to ongoing COVID-19 crisis

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Long confinement of children at homes due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis will have an adverse impact on children's mental and physical wellbeing.

Majority of experts in Assam have observed more agitation, less tolerance, increased screen-exposure, changing eating pattern, fatigue and other behavioral changes among their children due to their nearly five months (since the middle of March till this date) confinement at homes.

Eminent Child Specialist Dr. Jnanendra Nath Sharma told The Sentinel that such long confinement at homes is not only boring but also very alarming and distressing development for children.

"Childhood is the period of ongoing growth and development for a future complete adult. Children need an open and congenial environment for a proper growth and development. This requires that they have adequate physical and mental exercise," he said.

Dr Sharma who is former Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital said lack of physical exercise can lead to fatigue and loss of appetite and effect normal weight gain. In a child with already less weight for age can result in malnutrition, he said.

"Mental impacts are varied and are different for different age groups. In pre-school children, the boring situation may increase screen time either in the form of mobile or TV viewing resulting in the deleterious effects. In older children, besides increase of screen time, they may suffer from behavioral problems and depression," Dr Sharma said.

Asked whether children could go out Dr Sharma said they can move out of their homes with parents and taking precautions viz. wearing mask, washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, after coming back, keeping safe distancing.

"Everyone should avoid crowded places like market places etc. Children do not have more chances contacting the disease. It is same for all age groups. Children can visit parks/ Zoo but with strict monitoring of restricted entry to these places," he said.

Exhorting parents to give as much time as possible and stay with children, Dr Sharma is against forceful study time for minor children. "They should be encouraged indoor games with siblings and parents. The older children should be advised fixed study time for the subjects they are weak in. All children should be encouraged running, jumping, walking, and skipping etc. in whatever available space in and around the house," he said.

Dr Sharma said children can suffer from any disease, common, uncommon and serious during this phase. "The common diseases are respiratory infection, stomach ailments. Go to a doctor when needed," he said.

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