The pandemic generation: How Covid-19 has left a long-term mark on children

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound and lasting impact on children worldwide, affecting their physical, emotional, and educational development. When the pandemic began in early 2020, schools across the globe closed abruptly, forcing over two billion children and young people to stay home. This sudden change meant that children missed out on many important experiences such as playing outdoors, attending clubs, and socializing with peers. For young children, especially those who were toddlers or babies during the pandemic, this lack of social interaction and outdoor play has led to noticeable differences in their physical abilities and social behaviors. For example, some children are more cautious in their movements and find noisy or chaotic environments overwhelming, possibly because they missed early opportunities to explore and engage with the world around them.

The pandemic also disrupted many milestones in children’s lives, including school events like dances, parties, and graduations. Instead of attending these events, children spent much of their time at home, often engaging in crafts, watching television, or learning through screens. This isolation and change in routine have caused emotional and social challenges for many children. Researchers are now studying how these early experiences during the pandemic might affect children’s language development, thinking skills, and social abilities. Preliminary studies suggest that children born during the pandemic may have smaller vocabularies and face difficulties with higher-level thinking, likely due to reduced social interactions during critical early months.

Education was one of the hardest-hit areas during the pandemic. With schools closed, many children had to rely on remote learning, which was not equally accessible to all. Children from low-income families or marginalized communities often lacked the necessary technology or internet access, leading to significant learning losses. Studies estimate that students lost several months of learning, particularly in subjects like mathematics. These educational setbacks could have long-term economic consequences, potentially reducing future earnings and affecting national economies. While some countries have introduced programs to help children catch up, the recovery has been uneven, with children from wealthier backgrounds often benefiting more. Additionally, the pandemic has affected children’s physical health, with increases in childhood obesity linked to reduced physical activity during lockdowns. Despite these challenges, educators and researchers remain hopeful. Some improvements are already visible as schools reopen and children gradually regain social and physical skills. However, experts emphasize the need for continued support and targeted interventions to help this generation overcome the pandemic’s effects and thrive in the future.