Kids and Social Isolation — the Health Risks

As much as we might complain about other people, the fact remains that humans are social creatures. We need other people, even if we are sometimes unwilling to admit it. Children are no exception. In fact, early socialization is even more important for their development than it is for adults.

This pandemic, with its shuttered schools and remote learning, hasn’t done kids’ social skills any favors. The risks can sometimes go beyond just being awkward at their next in-person gathering. Studies have found that prolonged social isolation can stunt brain development. It doesn’t end there either. When we’re stressed, we naturally turn to other people for help. Those interactions can be a great relief. Even in children, ongoing stress can increase depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. It can eventually lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.

To some extent these problems can be relieved through technology. With children being more socially isolated, many of them have reached out virtually, and formed larger social networks than they might have otherwise. 

Ultimately, each child is different. The best thing you can do as a parent is to monitor your child to see how he or she is doing. Whenever possible, look to increase their interactions, either virtually or in-person. 

With the pandemic, we may not get completely back to what we used to consider normal. What we can do is strive to create a positive and supportive new normal.