A new type of coronavirus, abbreviated COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory (lung) disease. It was first detected in China and has now been detected locally.
Concern over this new virus can make children and families anxious. While we don’t know where and to what extent the disease may spread here in Torbay, we do know that it is contagious, that the severity of the illness can vary from individual to individual, and that there are steps we can take to prevent the spread of infection. Acknowledging some level of concern, without panicking, is appropriate and can result in taking actions that reduce the risk of illness. Helping children cope with anxiety requires providing accurate prevention information and facts without causing undue alarm.
It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise. Parents should reassure children that the National Health Service and school staff are working hard to ensure that people throughout Torbay and the rest of the country stay healthy. However, children also need factual, age-appropriate information about the potential seriousness of disease risk and concrete instruction about how to avoid infections and the spread of disease. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.
Specific Guidelines
Remain calm and reassuring.
• Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.
• What you say and do about COVID-19, current prevention efforts, and related events can either increase or decrease your children’s anxiety.
• If it is true, emphasise to your children that they and your family are fine.
• Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.
• Let your children talk about their feelings and help them express their concerns.
Make yourself available.
• Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
• It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them; make time for them.
• Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection.
Avoid excessive blaming.
• When tensions are high, sometimes we try to blame someone.
• It is important to avoid stereotyping any one group of people as responsible for the virus.
• Bullying or negative comments made toward others should be stopped and reported to the school.
• Be aware of any comments that other adults are having around your family. You may have to explain what comments mean if they are different than the values that you have at home.
Monitor television viewing and social media.
• Limit television viewing or access to information on the Internet and through social media. Try to avoid watching or listening to information that might be upsetting when your children are present.
• Speak to your child about how many stories about COVID-19 on the Internet may be based on rumours and inaccurate information.
• Talk to your child about factual information of this disease—this can help reduce anxiety.
• Constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 can increase anxiety—avoid this.
• Be aware that developmentally inappropriate information (i.e., information designed for adults) can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.
• Engage your child in games or other interesting activities instead.
Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.
• Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health.
• Encourage your children to keep up with their homework and out of school activities, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Be honest and accurate.
• In the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse than reality.
• Children can be told this disease is thought to be spread between people who are in close contact with one another—when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• It is also thought it can be spread when you touch an infected surface or object, which is why it is so important to protect yourself.
• For additional factual information check the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
• You will also find the most up to date information about coronavirus and how it affects your family at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices for protection.
• Encourage your child to practice every day good hygiene—simple steps to prevent the spread of illness:
o Wash hands multiple times a day for at least 20 seconds (singing Happy Birthday (twice) or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Once)).
o Cover their mouths with a tissue when they sneeze or cough and throw away the tissue immediately, or sneeze or cough into the bend of their elbow. Do not share food or drinks.
• Giving children guidance on what they can do to prevent infection gives them a greater sense of control over disease spread and will help to reduce their anxiety.
• Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly; this will help them develop a strong immune system to fight off illness.
Discuss new rules or practices at school.
• Many schools already promote illness prevention habits, including frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand cleansers.
• Your school’s head teacher will send information home about any new rules or practices.
• Be sure to discuss this with your child.
• Contact your school for any specific questions.
Communicate with your school.
• Let your school know if your child is sick and keep them home. This information will help the school to know why your child was kept home.
• Talk to your child’s teacher if your child is having difficulties as a result of anxiety or stress related to COVID-19. They can give guidance and support to your child at school.