Children and young people need more support to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, new research reveals.
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A survey of 1500 parents and more than 1000 children by Save the Children Australia found the past two years have placed intense pressure on learning, social connections, mental health and wellbeing, with disadvantaged students most affected.
Children in Victoria and NSW who have experienced extended lockdowns have been hit hardest when it comes to the impacts on learning and development as well as mental health and well being.
The research found more than half of parents surveyed were worried about the long-term effects of the pandemic on their children.
Only 17 per cent of parents surveyed believe governments have done enough, and more than 80 per cent think the federal government has a responsibility to support children's recovery from the pandemic.
Getting kids back into sport and initiating mental health programs were highest on the list of support measures parents want from the government.
Save the Children Australia is calling on the government to to deliver a comprehensive national COVID recovery plan for children and young people.
Executive director Matt Gardiner says the government must listen to young people.
"Their experience is unique and their recovery - physically, mentally and socially - is critical," he said in a statement.
"We cannot afford for students to disengage further from school. This would create a disastrous ripple effect for children, communities and the economy."
Children and young people will also have the chance to share their pandemic experiences as part of a national government survey.
The survey for people aged nine to 17 - and their parents, carers and grandparents - asks for stories about how COVID-19 has affected them and how they are coping.
As most Australian children head back to school on Monday they are being asked to include stories about their return particularly amid the summer Omicron outbreak.
National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds says children and parents sharing their experiences will help governments improve support services.
"Children and young people have not had many opportunities to be heard during the pandemic," she said.
"The surveys will consider the social, emotional, educational, and other impacts children and young people have experienced over the past two years."
Before the COVID-19 pandemic Australian children were already experiencing a mental health crisis.
Indications are that missed school, social isolation, increased anxiety and other impacts of the pandemic have exacerbated the crisis.
"Understanding these impacts in greater detail will help governments design better services to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people," Ms Hollonds said.
In addition to the children's survey, parents, grandparents and carers are being invited to complete a second survey, to capture their experiences and perspectives about the pandemic's impact on children and their families.
Both surveys are strictly confidential and funded by the National Mental Health Commission.
They are available at www.kidscovidsurvey.com and the Australian Human Rights Commission will report the results later this year.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
Australian Associated Press
