Physical and Emotional Well-being of Children and Adolescents During the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apart from the direct effects of the virus on those who contracted the virus, there are likely many indirect effects on human physical and emotional health. For children, COVID-19 has caused them to continue school in a remote environment at home. The aim of this study was to quantify the changes in child and adolescent well-being surrounding the transition to virtual schooling in the early phase of COVID-19.

We designed a survey for parents to record their children’s activity levels, use of electronics, negative mood symptoms, sleep behaviors, and diet before and after they were sent home from in-person schooling.

The results confirm that virtual schooling negatively impacted children and adolescents during COVID-19, and provide information for future educational and interventional opportunities to mitigate the long-term effects of these changes.

We are continuing to follow up with families to monitor their children’s well-being as their children continue to complete school from home or transition back to in-person school.

  • Dr. Ann Millard, Department of Occupational Therapy, Marquette University

    Dr. Anne Pleva, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University

    Dr. Gabriel Velez, School of Education Marquette University

Please see our Get Involved page to participate!