Children who grew up during the pandemic exhibit weaker social and cognitive skills compared to those born before it.
Research suggests that kids from low-income families have been hit the hardest. But what does this look like in everyday life? Here are some clear signs of the pandemic’s impact on children’s social development – and what we can do to support their growth.
Struggles with Understanding Others’ Thoughts
Studies show that pandemic-era children are more likely to fail a classic test measuring their ability to predict another person’s perception of reality. This suggests their capacity for empathy and perspective-taking is underdeveloped.
More Frequent Social Misunderstandings
Teachers and caregivers report that many children struggle to interpret social cues correctly, leading to increased conflicts and communication breakdowns.
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Play Has Become More Individualized
Instead of engaging in group role-playing or cooperative games, many children now prefer solitary or parallel play, missing out on key opportunities to develop social skills.
Increased Frustration in Social Situations
Children with limited early social experiences tend to get frustrated more quickly in interactions, as they have not had the same practice in navigating social complexities.
Difficulty Taking Turns and Sharing
Pandemic-born children often find it harder to share toys, wait their turn, or engage in reciprocal interactions – fundamental skills that typically develop through peer play.
Reduced Verbal Interaction with Peers
Many children use fewer words and gestures when communicating with others, likely due to prolonged isolation and increased screen time replacing in-person conversations.
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Greater Dependence on Adults
Some children show a stronger reliance on parents and caregivers for social guidance, struggling to engage independently with their peers.
Challenges in Group Learning Settings
Teachers observe that children who spent their early years in isolation are more likely to struggle with collaborative tasks, such as group discussions and teamwork.
Difficulty in Reading Facial Expressions
Limited exposure to diverse facial expressions – particularly during mask mandates – may have contributed to children having a harder time recognizing and interpreting emotions in others.
Delayed Conflict Resolution Skills
Pandemic-era children tend to have less experience in resolving disputes independently, leading to more frequent teacher or adult intervention in minor disagreements.
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How can We Help?
Experts emphasize the importance of increasing children’s opportunities for face-to-face interactions. Schools and daycare centers can prioritize activities that promote social learning, such as cooperative games, storytelling, and group discussions. Parents can also play a key role by encouraging free play, limiting screen time, and fostering open conversations at home.
The effects of the pandemic on children’s social skills are real, but with the right support, they can catch up. Investing in their social development today will equip them with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
This article is based on information from News Medical.
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