School Closing and Re-Opening Mental Health Problems for Youth: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This narrative review of the literature suggests that school closings during COVID-19 were associated with reduced transmission of the virus but also reduced academic performance and mental health problems including anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep rhythms. These problems have been exacerbated by excessive screen time, inactivity and over-eating. Re-openings were less often studied, but infection rates typically increased as well as stress levels and insufficient sleep. Methodological limitations include the typically absent baseline data and the questionable reliability of parents reporting on the activities and feelings of their youth.