Teachers’ perspectives on children’s mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors
Reilly, Aoife
Issue Date
2022
Degree
Higher Diploma in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to explore the mental health of children during the Covid-19 pandemic from a teacher’s perspective. The study involved interviewing five primary teachers working in mainstream schools. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data from the interviews. Five main themes were developed 1) Child Anxiety, 2) Behavioural Changes, 3) The Importance of School, 4) Supporting Children and 5) Vulnerable. children. The results revealed, decline of children’s mental health may be due to the withdrawal of routine, lack of social outlets, a difficult home environment and isolation. The perspectives concluded that children with special educational needs and children considered disadvantaged may be more at risk. Schools are supporting children in a variety of ways; however, teachers are facing challenges when supporting them with demanding curriculum. This study proposes ideas for future research outside of Dublin. It also probes future research into the lasting effects of the pandemic on children in future years.