The possibility of behavioral changes in the child due to being out of school for a long time

News Desk: All types of educational institutions in Bangladesh have been closed for more than nine months due to coronavirus. Psychologists say that being out of school for a long time can lead to behavioral changes in many children.

They say that such a situation can hinder their proper mental development on the one hand and on the other hand it can create a tendency in children to become accustomed to a regular life. Educational institutions were declared closed on March 17 this year due to the coronavirus epidemic. After that, the leave of the educational institution has been extended in stages. Lastly, on 16th December, the Ministry of Education informed that all kinds of educational institutions will be closed till 16th January. Many of these educational institutions are conducting classes online. Medical psychologists fear that online classes could lead to an increase in children's addiction to mobile and the Internet.

Israt Sharmin Rahman, a clinical psychologist at the National Trauma Council Center at the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, said many parents are approaching those who say technology addiction is on the rise. Parents are also talking about noticing many more behavioral changes in their children. Nurunnahar Lucky, a resident of Mirpur area of ​​the capital. Her two children go to school. He said in a tone of complaint that his children were staying at home all the time as the school was closed due to the corona virus. Getting addicted to mobile and internet.

He is also losing attention in studies. Nurunnahar Lucky said, ‘They are always thinking about when they will sit down to play games with the mobile. Some educational institutions conduct classes online, but most of them are closed. Due to which many children are under house arrest. Sumaiya Raida is a sixth grade student of a school called Manipur High School in the capital. Sumaiya is upset while staying at home as the school is closed. She is anxious to get back to school quickly. ‘Looks annoying now. You have to sit with the phone. I have become addicted to mobile. I look at the computer, I look at the laptop, I listen to music, of course I am not studying. ' Parents say that even if the children are at home, they are no longer accustomed to a regular life. Israt Sharmin Rahman, a clinical psychologist at the National Trauma Council Center at the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, said sudden lifestyle changes affect children. "A lot of times we see that some people are having behavioral problems, some are being very stubborn, some are having emotional reactions, some are crying, some may be stubborn and stop doing anything, internet and mobile usage is increasing," he said. He said the response is a bit different in adults or teenagers. "A little older people are creating distance with others in the family, being isolated, spending more time in their rooms, these things are happening." Psychologists say such behavioral changes will make it difficult for children to adapt to the epidemic.

He said that even if the educational institution is opened, it will be difficult for the children to adapt to other children and maintain concentration in the classroom. "If a child is accustomed to a routine for a year, then if he goes back to his previous state, he will have to get up to speed." "Because then they will get used to being alone," he said. Many will not want to go to school then, socializing with friends and socializing can be a problem. Sociologists say that in the changed situation due to coronavirus, parents have to play the most important role in the mental and social development of children. Dhaka University, Department of Sociology, Professor. Fatema Regina said that on the one hand, they have to be by their side, on the other hand, they have to make sure that the children are accustomed to the constitutional life from the family. He said parents should be by his side when children are frustrated.

‘There is nothing but family options. And in this situation, the biggest responsibility will fall on the family. ' "It's up to the children, the teenagers, to stand by them, to give them time, to give them time," he said. Dr. Fatema Regina thinks that even if the school is closed, if the children are accustomed to a regular life, they can be given a daily routine. In that case, starting from waking up in the morning, there should be a time for religious prayers, eating and sleeping, participating in various activities with parents and also for studying.

Due to the coronavirus epidemic, all kinds of educational institutions have been closed in Bangladesh for more than 9 consecutive months.

Source: BBC