A very vulnerable segment of the population that has been severely affected due to the ongoing pandemic are children. In response to this under reported  crisis, the Ministry of Women and Child Development had started a programme called Samvedna.

Tele-counselling

Samvedna through tele-counselling supports children during the Covid-19. The platform provides psychological support to children to address their stress, anxiety, fear and other issues during the pandemic. Further, it also deals with issues related to kids who are going through Coronavirus treatment or whose parents tested positive for the virus or who have lost someone close to them due to the pandemic.

#SAMVEDNA, A Toll-free Helpline no. for provide counselling & psycho-social mental support for our children affected during this COVID Pandemic.

Toll Free No. 📞- 1800-121-2830@PMOIndia @narendramodi@MinistryWCD @mygovindia @KanoongoPriyank @DelhiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice https://t.co/2Z5xVeNsWF

— NCPCR (@NCPCR_) May 5, 2021

The services operational from September, 2020 was started to provide psychological first-aid and emotional support to children affected by COVID-19 pandemic. These children are categorised as: those who are in Quarantine/ Isolation/Covid Care centres; those  Covid positive parents or family members and near ones; those who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 Pandemic; and children of doctors and paramedical staff who have lost their lives during duty of Covid-19 pandemic.

Effects of restrictions

With both State organised and self-imposed restrictions being in place in almost all parts of the country, children who are getting affected both physically and emotionally and it is necessary to help them cope with this stress.

Parents and elders are concerned as to how to take care of children and assist them to cope with Covid-19 related stress. This is vital considering that medical experts have stated that the Coronavirus has changed the way children "typically grow, learn, play, behave, interact, and manage emotions".

In an article in the Indian Express, Dr. Jesal Sheth, Senior Consultant Paediatrician at Mulund’s Fortis Hospital observed: “Children usually thrive under predictable conditions. Disruption led by the pandemic has greatly impacted them physically and emotionally. Online schooling, isolation, quarantine at home, lack of social interactions, lack of physical sports and parental angst have developed fears, depression, and boredom among children. While most parents were involved in dealing with the uncertainty and putting all efforts to keep family safe and sustainable, the emotional needs of children were somehow ignored.”

Reinforce use of handwash to children

Elaborating this aspect, the doctors said that children have been “observed to have conduct problems, peer problems, externalising problems, and general psychological distress”. Significantly those children who undertook physical activity had “lower hyperactivity-inattention and less prosocial behaviour problems”.

From an emotional perspective, Dr. Sheth, pointed that the “biggest worry for them is whether or not they will see their friends in school or will they get sick”.

Both the changes in lifestyle and psychosocial stress emanating from home confinement could in the long run lead to emotional breakdown, according to the doctor, and making these children, “resisting to return to school post-lockdown”.

Make children play board games when confined at home (Pic: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

How to tackle these issues?

• It is vital to address the fears of the children to reduce their anxiety and emotional depression levels. Talk about the problems and possible solutions from the child’s perspective.
• Children who have grandparents can decide to spend some quality time with them. This is beneficial.
• Draw a routine and follow it. Parents can maintain a routine even if confined at home. They can plan activities with kids and also involve them in various home activities, educate them about following hygiene habits and social distancing. Involvement gives them a sense of responsibility and achievement.
• Engage the kids in indoor play and creative activities. Besides this by involving them in household chores one give them a sense of purpose.
• By using the virtual platforms, keep the children in touch with friends and classmates. Also plan a virtual party and playdates.
• Instead of feeling irritated or angry over kids’ bad behaviours, they need to be understood, analysed and discussed. The parents must keep the emotional wellbeing of their children in mind·
• Keep reiterating the precautions to be adopted during the pandemic like wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequent hand washing, as the pandemic is not over yet.
• Allow children to socialise with their friends and classmates through digital forums under supervision of the parents or elders.

Samvedna: Dial toll free tele-counselling No.1800-1212-830, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.