Anxiety in Kids During COVID: What Helps and What Hurts?

You know, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected a lot of people, including kids and teens. This research wanted to understand what makes them feel anxious and what helps them stay calm. They looked at lots of studies to find out what's going on. Anxiety, it's not just about being nervous. It can really affect how kids think, feel, and act. So, it's important to figure out what causes it and what can protect them from it. The researchers used a special model, a socio-ecological one, to see how different factors come together to influence anxiety.The study found that family stuff, like how parents handle stress or how kids are taught about the pandemic, really matters. Also, schooling and how kids see the world around them can make a difference. Even things like being able to talk about feelings or having a routine can act as a shield against anxiety. But it's not all bad news. There are things that can help protect kids from getting too anxious. For instance, having a strong support system, both at home and at school, can make a big difference. Also, keeping kids informed in a way that's appropriate for their age can help them cope better. The findings also showed that kids who had a good grasp on how the pandemic works were less likely to be anxious. Plus, having a daily routine and being able to engage in activities they enjoy can really help lower anxiety levels.