Until now schools across the world have been closed due to health reasons associated with the pandemic. But before Omicron had a chance to take any effect in the US many schools were closing due to mental health issues. This Wall Street Journal article points out that thousands of schools have had to take this decision, while “school officials have an easy out—but one that comes at a huge cost to students”. In the 1918 flu pandemic (known as Spanish flu) more schools closed than now, even though the virulence of the disease was greater than Covid 19, and in particular its effect on children. Closing schools causes more mental health issues, especially for families on low incomes, so this decision should not be taken lightly by any staff.
#mentalhealth #schools