The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented effect on patients and families. The impact of school closures and stay at home legislation has been significant. These were necessary steps in combating a pandemic, however, it has had a particularly significant impact on children and adolescents. Moreover, the impact on marginalized and single parent families has been an eye opening experience for clinicians working in these communities. The impact of social inequities on mental health has come to the forefront during this pandemic. It is more difficult for these families to navigate the mental health system. Assess to online resources is another significant factor. Many families cannot afford good quality internet connections for their children and this has significant impact on their learning. Moreover, early learning is more difficult online, and these marginalized families do not have access to private resources for tutoring that is accessible to socially advantaged patients and families.

This presentation will examine significant impact of the COVI-19 pandemic on children an adolescents in Canada, particularly the Toronto, Ontario context.  The learners will begin to understand the significant impact on patient and families and potential long term consequences.

Moreover, the social inequities in mental health will also be examined within the context of this pandemic. Lastly, we will examine lessons learned that can be useful in terms preparation for future pandemics and its impact on children’s mental health.

Learning Objectives:     

1.  Understand the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of children and youth.
2.  To appreciate the pandemic’s impact on parents and families.
3.   Understand the pandemic’s effect in terms of societies social inequities.
4.   Consider potential policy and clinical interventions that may help in future pandemics in regard to child and youth mental health.

References:

1. Gadermann AC, et al Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family mental health in Canada: findings from a national cross sectional study. BMJ Open 2021;11.
2. Holmes EA, O'Connor RC, Perry VH, et al. Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. Lancet Psychiatry 2020;7:547–60.
3. Cluver L, Lachman JM, Sherr L, et al. Parenting in a time of COVID-19. Lancet 2020;395:e64.
4. Shim RS, Compton MT. The social determinants of mental health: psychiatrists’ roles in addressing discrimination and food insecurity. Focus 2020;18:25–30
5. Pfefferbaum B, North CS. Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. N Engl J Med 2020:1–3