How a child or young person reacts to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may depend on their age, past experiences or understanding of what's happening.

Some children and young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, may find it difficult to deal with things.

 

For instance, some may worry about their health, their loved ones or have physical symptoms like stomach ache. Others may behave differently, getting more angry, distant or acting up in other ways.

 

Some children might react right away and some may show signs of difficulty later on. Other children might be coping fine, and some younger children may be enjoying more time with the family.

 

If you are a parent or carer, it's important you know how to look after your mental health and the mental health of those you care for during this time.

 

Wellbeing & Good Mental Health Resources:

 

• The Happiness Lab - 10 new podcasts specifically to help deal with the Coronavirus pandemic - free on apple downloads. 
• Headspace - Free meditations, sleep, and movement exercises are currently available from this app that promotes mindfulness and meditation.
• Government guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health - 10 new podcasts specifically to help deal with the Coronavirus pandemic - free on Apple downloads outbreak.
• NSPCC - a range of resources if you're worried a child may be struggling with their mental health or has anxiety about coronavirus (COVID-19).
• BBC Bitesize - Five ways to support children’s mental health. 
• How to build resilience in your child.