Study finds COVID-related school closures increased mental health risks for young people
Texas Standard, July 21, 2022
New research from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston shows that while lockdowns early in the pandemic were necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, keeping young people out of schools put an unprecedented mental health strain on this generation. “The lockdowns, while necessary, kept teens and children away from the developmental milestones that we expect at that age: developing autonomy away from your parents, making mistakes, all those normal things that are supposed to happen around that age was interrupted,” said Dr. Jeff Temple, vice dean for research at UTMB’s School of Nursing and the director of the Center for Violence Prevention. “This was all a perfect storm that we’re going to see dramatic effects for a generation to come.” ABC 13 Houston also reported on this study with reporter Nick Natario’s interview with Temple.