Exploring the psychological impact on children and adolescents during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic-a systematic review.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental well-being of children and teenagers has gained increased recognition, but a systematic review to assess its effects on their mental health has not yet been conducted using the PRISMA and PICOS framework. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate global changes in psychological well-being among young people by analysing longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies conducted before and during the pandemic. The review analysed data from 21 studies in 10 countries, involving 87,486 participants under the age of 19. The majority of the research found a long-term decline in young people’s psychological health, including higher levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress during the pandemic. Studies highlighted that factors such as confinement, stress, environmental hazards, and financial crises significantly impacted household dynamics, which in turn affected children’s development and psychological well-being. Emerging studies from various regions worldwide suggest a potential decline in the mental health of school-aged adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review underscores the need for further research to understand the severe and long-term consequences of the pandemic on children’s mental health.