The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most impactful events in recent history, with far-reaching consequences that have affected every aspect of our lives. The closure of schools amid the pandemic has been one of the most significant changes, causing widespread disruption to young people’s education and learning.
As the aftermath of the pandemic continues to affect the daily lives of individuals around the globe, the long-term effects of school closures are being recognized as a legacy of the pandemic. After all, school closures have left many students grappling with academic, social, emotional, and psychological challenges that may have lasting effects on their trajectory and success.
The academic impact of COVID-19 school closures cannot be overlooked. With millions of students out of school for months, even years, in some cases, there have been significant disruptions to the education system. Many students lacked access to quality remote learning, while others grappled with the challenges of learning through screens. The closure of physical classrooms also meant that students missed out on valuable social interaction and guidance from teachers.
As a result, many young people have experienced a significant decline in their academic performance, particularly in subjects like math and science. The gap between high-achieving and low-achieving students has also widened. This academic lag can lead to long-term consequences such as delayed graduation, missed career opportunities, and reduced earning potential.
Besides the academic challenges, COVID-19 school closures have also impacted students’ mental health. Many students have been grappling with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The pandemic’s uncertainty has added to student stress, leading to many teens seeking support for their mental and emotional health.
Social isolation has disrupted the mentorship relationships that exist between many students and their teachers, counselors, and coaches. Many students have also been unable to compete in or attend extracurricular activities, leading to a sense of loss and missed opportunities.
Moreover, with the sudden shift to remote learning, the challenges of navigating technology and new platforms to get coursework have induced stress and anxiety among students. With chronic absenteeism on the rise, students are going to struggle to keep up with their work. The lost years of learning, not only during the pandemic but through remote learning and back again to traditional classrooms, have the potential to hold back students from further academic success.
