New report on the impact of COVID-19 on children in Europe

Date: 9th December 2020
Category: COVID-19, Mental health, Health and health services, School exclusions, Child poverty

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The report shines a light on how children of 25 European countries have been impacted by the pandemic and national lockdowns. It builds on data collected by Eurochild up to September 2020, and presents recommendations to improve public policies.

Overall, the report finds that the pandemic ‘has exacerbated existing problems of social inequality’ and had a disproportionate impact on ‘children’s life chances, and their physical and mental health’. In fact, more families found themselves at risk of poverty, and school closures brought about several problems, such as digital exclusion. Moreover, anxiety and mental health issues increased, as did domestic violence.

To address this, the report argues that national policies are needed, and that the EU should provide targeted support.

• Read the full report here.