In this episode of the Perspective Prog. based on Covid-19: Impact on kids’ mental health. In its flagship report ‘ The state of World’s Children 2021’ which was launched on Tuesday, UNICEF has warned that children and young people in India could feel the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health and well-being for many years to come. The UNICEF report has taken a comprehensive look at the mental health of children, adolescents and caregivers in the 21st century pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on children’s mental health. According to a survey conducted by UNICEF and Gallup in early 2021 with 20,000 children and adults in 21 countries, children in India seem reticent to seek support for mental stress. Throughout the Covid pandemic, children have had limited access to support from social services due to lockdown measures. The disruption to routines, education, recreation, as well as concern for family income and health, is leaving many young people feeling afraid, angry, and concerned for their future. The UNICEF report says that as the COVID-19 Pandemic heads into its third year, the impact on children and young people’s mental health continues to weigh heavily.
Guests:
1. Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF Representative, India
2. Pratima Murthy, Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, NIMHANS
3. Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Professor, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, AIIMS
Anchor: Vishal Dahiya
Producer: Amit Srivastav, Sagheer Ahmad
