Position Statement on Children Returning to In-Person School During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact on Mental Health and Well-being
Introduction
The Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice is committed to the mental health and well-being of children, families, and communities. We work to reduce disparities and advocate for environments and policies that foster positive mental health. The Global Alliance strongly opposes all attempts to prevent children from receiving an education in environments that are safe and humane, as is their constitutional right.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the world have been faced with unprecedented times. The impact of policies enacted such as school closures, stay-at-home orders, and isolation from friends and family have all resulted in a significant loss of daily routines and social interactions that will continue to have a profound impact on children’s lives. The entirety of the pandemic’s impact will not be fully understood for many years.