Neither seen nor heard: the evidence gap on the effect of covid-19 on mental health in children

Tamsin Ford and colleagues say better evidence on how children’s mental health is affected by health shocks is essential to inform policy responses The impact of health shocks, such as pandemics and human made and natural disasters, on children and young people is too often under-researched, meaning evidence informed responses are inadequate. The original terms of reference of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry omitted children, for example, as did much of the global pandemic response. Yet data indicate that the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on their mental health.1 This was entirely predictable, given that pandemic restrictions resulted in social isolation and disrupted routines and sleep, as well as financial and academic stress, all of which undermine mental health, in addition to fears about loss of educational opportunities and family members becoming ill (box 1).2 Box 1 ### Young person’s perspective, by Ann Kannuralil Sabu I am 17 and in full time education. Over the past few years, I have collaborated with the Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH) youth forum. To elicit views about the effects of the pandemic that needed researching, in August 2023 we sent a survey to about 600 people linked to the CCH youth forum, as well as the linked parents and carers forum, and about 20 third sector organisations that work with children and families in the east of England. We also shared it through social media. We received 38 responses. The following are typical of the comments received.RETURN TO TEXT