Adverse Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children Under Five Living in Temporary Accommodation in London The COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on the lives of those living in temporary accommodation in London, especially on those aged under five. A recent study conducted by UCL researchers has revealed that there could be serious long-term implications as a result of the pandemic for these vulnerable children and their families. The research suggests that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social disadvantages for these children and their families, and that the awareness of the effects must be raised in order to inform future policy decisions. Background Temporary accommodation in London is a lifeline for many families in the city, particularly those who are homeless or have to move frequently due to financial problems or overcrowding. The most vulnerable among them are young children, who are particularly at risk of poor physical, mental and emotional health and poor educational outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of those living in temporary accommodation in London, including vulnerable children below the age of five. This report aims to provide an overview of the effects of the pandemic on these children and their families, and to consider the implications of the pandemic for their future. Findings The research project surveyed parents of 129 children under the age of five living in temporary accommodation in London. The survey revealed that more than a third of the parents reported an adverse impact on the mental health and wellbeing of their children as a result of the pandemic. These impacts included stress, anxiety, and nightmares. In addition, more than a quarter of the parents reported that their children had become more withdrawn and had become negative about social interaction. The survey also indicated that the pandemic had caused financial hardship for families. Nearly two-thirds (64%) reported financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, with some having to borrow or use food banks to survive. The survey also revealed that the pandemic had led to fewer opportunities for social interaction, with many parents feeling isolated. The research also looked at the impact of the pandemic on early childhood education. Over half of the parents (59%) reported that their children’s educational progress had been affected by the pandemic. These effects included lost educational opportunities, reduced access to early years services, and disruption of schooling. Implications and Future Policy Decisions The findings of this report suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the lives of young children living in temporary accommodation in London, and that these effects could have lasting implications for them. The findings also suggest that the pandemic has exacerbated existing social disadvantage for these children and their families, and that the awareness of the effects must be raised in order to inform future policy decisions. The report recommends that further research is conducted in order to understand and address the negative effects of the pandemic on these vulnerable children. It also recommends that local, national and international policies are developed and implemented to ensure that these children and their families have access to the resources and support they need and that the long-term impacts of the pandemic are addressed. Conclusion The findings of this report suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of children under five living in temporary accommodation in London, including adverse effects on their physical, mental and emotional health, educational progress, and financial wellbeing. The research also indicates that these effects could have long-term implications for these vulnerable children and their families, and that more research needs to be conducted in order to inform future policy decisions. It is essential that the awareness of the effects of the pandemic is raised in order to ensure that these children and their families receive the support and resources they need to recover and thrive.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/pandemic-created-life-long-risks-for-children-in-temporary-accommodation-in-london-finds-research
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