Hi Petrica!
I am Nicolas Joseph. My wife Lisa is already your friend and she keeps talking to me about you. Life post the pandemic has been different now, especially with kids. Their education has become online. So, tell me about the impact of online classes on students and their general health.
Thank you!
Nicolas
Hi Nicolas!
The novel coronavirus-led schools have shut their doors and classes and moved online to slow the spread. The transition to online learning has not only impacted teachers but also students adjusting to this new normal. One of the major consequences of switching to online learning is its health impact. Students who are in different time zones sacrifice sleep to wake up for their Zoom classes. This sleep deprivation causes deficits in the prefrontal cortex. Also, virtual learning has increased the amount of digital time too. Students spend approximately 8-10 hours of their day only on laptops and cell phones because of the corona pandemic.
Health issues, impacting all!
- Low Ergonomics: Unlike classrooms, students do not follow proper ergonomics at home. Attending online classes on beds and sofas is one of the common reasons resulting in the rise of back pains.
- No physical activity: These days, children are getting obese. It is increasing due to a lack of outdoor physical activities or binge eating and consistently having junk food. They are gaining fat which is affecting their growth. As a result, they are becoming physically inactive.
- Deficiencies of Vitamin D and Calcium: Lack of sunlight and poor diet is contributing to Vitamin D and Calcium deficiencies. Apart from this, Muscle spasms, strains, and tears are becoming severe.
- Injuries: The number of injuries in children is also increasing. Every child now wants to get outdoors and cherish the little things.
IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH:
Online learning has affected everyone. But for students, virtual classes have worsened their mental health disorders.
- INCREASE IN STRESS LEVEL:
- They experience difficulty in concentrating.
The increase in stress levels is creating complexities for students and their mental well-being.
- FATIGUE THAT COMES WITH IT:
Spending a significant amount of time online can result in fatigue. Also, when we have in-person interactions, there are many non-verbal cues that our brain absorbs. But when we are spending our time digitally, these cues create mental fatigue.
How to help your child deal with this?
- Encouraging healthy habits in kids:
Kids are facing sleep deprivation issues. Regular exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating will help boost your kid’s mood and have a positive impact on their well-being. Also, make sure that your kid follows a regular sleep schedule. Also, make sure that there are plenty of indoor and outdoor options available for your kids. It will keep them active. Promote long walks and bike rides, following all the social distancing norms in action.
- Setting a positive tone at home:
Make sure that you encourage positivity in your kids at home. It will encourage them and help them deal with this pandemic.
With the increase in mental and health issues, it is extremely essential to have an open channel of communication with your kids.
Thank you!
Petrica
