67% of Schools Agree: The Pandemic Has Affected Children’s Mental Health

Latest unique data from Stage Systems has surprising findings: over 80% of schools have noticed positive effects in children as a result of working independently at home due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The pandemic has fundamentally affected the school environment: In 2021, nearly 70% of schools had to cancel events or performances due to the pandemic. But what effects have been felt by students?

• 60% of schools agree: children have been affected by being unable to practice drama skills. The inability to be on stage singing or dancing was hindered due to the pandemic.

• When it comes to mental health the results are clear: 290 out of the 434 educational establishments surveyed say children’s mental health has been affected by the pandemic.

• Surprisingly, 83.4% of those surveyed have noticed positive effects from the pandemic in students due to them having to work independently at home. Better resilience, time management skills, IT skills and improved emotional well-being were all felt.

• The ‘new normal’ reigns: in nearly 38% of schools PE, musical and practical lessons still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic structure.

But 2022 is a new year, so how ready are teachers to leave the pandemic rules behind?

Surprisingly, over 60% of all those approached agree: if the adjustments made during the pandemic were to carry on to this year, they would not oppose it. The safety of all continues to be a prime concern, and schools are ready to implement the changes necessary to ensure both student and staff safety.