Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık evaluated the impact of the pandemic process on students and gave advice about the upcoming mid-term break period.
Stating that children have entered a challenging process with both social isolation and distance education during the pandemic period, experts advise families to keep success expectations from their children low. Experts advise parents to spend more time with their children during the interim holiday period and suggest that they plan enjoyable activities outside, especially in accordance with physical distance rules.
Üsküdar University NP Feneryolu Medical Center Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık evaluated the impact of the pandemic process on students and gave advice about the upcoming midterm break period.
Distance education challenged both students and parents
Stating that there have been serious changes and problems in the field of education as well as disruptions in many aspects of life during the pandemic process, where health concerns are at the forefront in the world and in our country, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık emphasized that the online education system is a new and challenging process for both students, parents and instructors. "In distance education, which replaced face-to-face education, most of the children had difficulties in education," said Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık, "They explained that they had difficulty in understanding the lessons and paying attention to the lesson. Some students did not attend classes, some did not do their homework, and some spent time in different activities such as games on the computer, social media, internet, even though they said they were attending class."
Social isolation led to deterioration in mental health
Stating that especially children with little parental and teacher supervision do not benefit much from distance education, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said that the changes in the exam system also caused disruptions in identifying such problems. However, emphasizing that responsible children and young people have increased concerns about success because they cannot learn as they want, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık said, "The social isolation experienced by some children due to the pandemic led to deterioration in their mental health, perhaps due to the relatives they lost, and this situation was reflected negatively on their lessons. Parents who went through the same process sometimes could not find the strength to support their children in their own fatigue."
Plan enjoyable activities with children
Stating that regardless of the problem and its source, families who listen to the child and carefully identify the existing problems should apply for expert support, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık suggested that pleasant activities should be done with children even if the duration is small during the interim holiday period, and that children should be taken out at least 4-5 days a week by following social distancing rules.
Students should definitely follow the lesson
Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Başak Ayık listed her other recommendations as follows: "I recommend that parents reduce their expectations about success for this period. However, this should not be interpreted as completely ignoring education. Every student should at least fulfill his/her school-related duties such as attending classes, listening to lectures and doing homework. It is the parents' duty to tell this in an appropriate language and to follow up. Parents can simply check whether the topics covered in lessons have been understood. If there is a failure in these tasks or in the presence of mental problems, additional educational support and support from child mental health specialists will allow the problems to be solved before they grow."
