Research data collected by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute, CAPRI, has found that the Covid pandemic led to both mental and physical health issues for children.

CAPRI Lead Researcher Stephanie Sewell noted, that the closure of schools last March led to weight related illnesses, such as childhood diabetes.

Miss Sewell said 43 percent of children also reported having trouble focusing.

She explained that for many children, school closures meant additional risks of disengagement and detachment from positive social institutions.

And prominent Psychologist Dr. Leahcim Semaj says parents and guardians must play their part, in ensuring that children remain mentally healthy.

His suggestion comes following a disclosure that the covid pandemic led to both mental and physical health issues for children.

Dr. Semaj agrees that the pandemic has created several challenges for children, including a lack of physical socialization.

He says parents should find ways to protect their children’s mental health.