What's happened
A UK inquiry highlights severe, long-lasting effects of COVID-19 on children, including mental health issues, disrupted education, and increased online harms. Meanwhile, concerns grow globally over digital device use and gambling risks among youth, prompting calls for stricter regulations and guidelines.
What's behind the headline?
The UK inquiry underscores the deep and enduring damage caused by pandemic-related disruptions, emphasizing the failure to adequately prepare for school closures and the subsequent harm to children’s mental health and social development. The evidence reveals that children faced not only loss of education but also exposure to online harms, including violence and exploitation, which will likely have long-term consequences.
Simultaneously, the rise in digital device use and online gambling risks, especially among young men, signals a broader societal challenge. The link between early exposure to gambling-like features in video games and later gambling problems is well established, and the increased demand for treatment programs indicates this issue will persist.
Globally, governments are grappling with how to regulate digital engagement without stifling its benefits. The contrasting approaches—such as Australia's social media bans for under-16s and China's restrictions on gaming—highlight the difficulty of balancing protection with freedom. The upcoming review of screen time guidelines in Hong Kong reflects a recognition that current policies are outdated, especially with emerging AI technologies.
Overall, these developments suggest that future policies must focus on safeguarding mental health and online safety while recognizing the integral role of digital technology in children’s lives. Proactive, flexible regulation and education will be essential to mitigate long-term harm and foster healthier digital habits.
What the papers say
The Guardian provides a detailed account of the UK inquiry, emphasizing the profound impact of COVID-19 on children’s mental health, education, and safety, with direct quotes from legal counsel and officials. The NY Post highlights the growing concern over youth gambling and online gaming, citing expert warnings and treatment program data, illustrating the risks associated with digital engagement. The South China Morning Post discusses international measures to regulate screen time and online content, noting the challenges and differing policies across regions, and emphasizing the importance of updated guidelines in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. These sources collectively underscore the global recognition of digital risks and the need for balanced regulation to protect young people.
How we got here
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread school closures and social restrictions, profoundly affecting children’s development. The UK inquiry examines the mental health, educational, and safety impacts, while other regions consider measures to limit screen time and online gambling exposure, reflecting global concerns about digital risks for youth.
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Common question
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How Has COVID-19 Affected Children and Teens Long-Term?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting mark on young people's mental health, education, and safety. As concerns grow about these long-term effects, many are asking what can be done to support children and teens now. Below, we explore the key impacts of COVID-19 on youth and what policies are being proposed to protect them in the future.
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