Neha Masurkar, Psychologist
Rewind when the pandemic hit the globe, everything and everyone went online, and offline was seen as a risk. This was the time that opened new windows of opportunities for many. Still, at the same time, it became a challenge for most who never explored social media beyond Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
The pandemic has got a revolutionary change in the education system. They are moving from regular classrooms to e-class. But of course, everything has a price. The price that students had to pay was mental health.
Learning through online platforms have given rise to depression and anxiety. Depression is a mood disorder that involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
On the other hand, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, just like the pandemic.
In many parts of Goa, especially the rural area, students face issues with an internet connection, leading to missed classes’ anxiety. Few even had to wait for the parents to be back home to excess a smartphone. Some have even lost their sense of freedom to clam in college or schools as soon as the bell ticked to 8 am, and some a personal touch to the traditional teaching.
It is indeed was not an easy task for the students to adjust to the new e-world. Many who tried have been able to meet the challenges successfully, but there are many still struggling. As Adults, you can help and guide your child to grow away from anxiety and adapt to the new e-world:
How to Help Your Child to Cope with Online Anxiety
Create a Designated Workspace
The home is full of distractions. It is essential to create a space for your child to focus and feel productive. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize distractions:
Designate a quiet area of your home specifically for classes and homework. If necessary, use room dividers, furniture, or clear out storage space to create a distraction-free area.
When possible, consider encouraging your child to change to a new area throughout the day occasionally
Make sure you choose an internet connection that has good speed in your area.
You may also help encourage your child to do schoolwork in an area they don’t associate with rest or entertainment. In addition, try to limit the use of devices until the end of the school day as a regular classroom would.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Children aren’t known for having the best sleep or dietary habits. With disruptions to their daily routine from virtual classes, it’s more important than ever to encourage healthy habits. A good night of sleep, a healthful diet, and regular exercise can help boost your child’s mood and have a positive impact on their mental well-being.
Be sure your child follows a regular sleep schedule and has routine wake-up times. This is especially true for young adults in college. With classes spaced out through the day, it can be easy for a college student taking virtual classes at home to fall into the trap of late nights followed by sleeping in too late. Encourage your child to get a healthy amount of sleep.
As for exercise, there are plenty of both indoor and outdoor options to keep your kids active. Walks and bike rides are great ways to stay active while maintaining appropriate social distance from others.
Set a Positive Tone In Your Home
In some cases, parents may be working from home alongside their children. Adults are susceptible to many of the same stressors and anxieties as the child’s. However, parents need to set a healthy tone for the home.
Treat your child as your Co-worker. Although it may be challenging in times of extra stress and uncertainty, set a positive example. Maintain an upbeat attitude and encourage healthy conversation within the household. Remember, young adults still look to their parents for support and guidance. Provide encouragement and hopefulness.
Cultivating a positive attitude within your home can make a considerable difference in the entire family’s mental health.
Give The Attention They Need
Your child asks for nothing more than your attention to issues. Listen to them and guide them. Treat them as the adults you want them to group up to be. Please give them a feeling of inclusion by including your child’s opinion on home concerns or any other matter.
Despite the potential for virtual classes to negatively impact a child’s mental health, there are still some positive benefits. For some students, being home and around family, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, can offer feelings of safety and reassurance. For these students, their home can become a safe learning environment where they feel more productive.