Covid 19 coronavirus: Schoolchildren showing signs of mild trauma after lockdown

Two weeks after the reopening of schools, some pupils are showing signs of mild trauma from the lockdown. Otago Primary Principals' Association president Shelley Wilde said it might be another four to six weeks before more moderate signs of trauma appeared among children. She said the vast majority of children were pleased and happy to be back at school, and had responded well to the new 'safe normal' hygiene and physical-distancing practices. However, some pupils were anxious about things such as making sure their hands were clean all the time, and some were taking advantage of the Chatbus (a counselling service for children) who might not have before.