Pandemic Impact
What major social change during COVID-19 contributed most to increased anxiety and depression in children?
Social isolation / school closures
What behavior could mask depression in a school-aged child?
Acting out / aggression
What’s one open-ended question a nurse could ask to check in on a child’s emotional well-being?
“How have you been feeling lately?” or “What’s been hard for you recently?”
What’s one grounding technique nurses can teach to help reduce anxiety?
Deep breathing / 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding
What’s one common stressor families reported during the pandemic that affected children’s mental health?
Financial strain or caregiver stress
Which population of children experienced the most disruption in access to services during the pandemic?
Children with pre-existing developmental or behavioral disorders
Which age group might show mental distress through regression (thumb sucking, bedwetting)?
Younger children / early childhood
True or False: It’s best to avoid talking directly about COVID-related stress with children.
False
What resource can nurses refer families to for ongoing mental health support?
School counselor, therapist, or community mental health clinic
How can nurses encourage parents to support resilience at home?
Promote routines, family activities, and open communication
What common academic challenge increased stress and frustration for children learning from home?
Remote learning difficulties/lack of structure
When assessing for post-pandemic adjustment, what is a key behavioral indicator of underlying anxiety?
Avoidance of school or social activities
What’s an age-appropriate way to explain coping strategies to a child?
Using simple language or visual aids (like “calm-down” tools or feelings charts)
What type of therapy has shown success for children with anxiety or depression?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
What school-based support can help children transition back to in-person learning?
Counseling, social skills groups, or peer support programs
Name one long-term mental health trend seen in children since the pandemic.
Increased rates of anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues
What might sudden irritability or clinginess in a child signal after COVID isolation?
Anxiety or adjustment issues
When a parent is present, what’s one way to promote trust during a mental health discussion?
Ask for the child’s perspective first or validate their feelings
When should a nurse escalate a child’s case for urgent mental health evaluation?
If the child expresses suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
What cultural or community factor should nurses consider when discussing mental health?
Stigma or access barriers to mental health care
What protective factor was most associated with lower stress and improved resilience among children post-pandemic?
Strong parental support and consistent routines
What red flag requires immediate referral or safety intervention during a pediatric mental health assessment?
Suicidal ideation, self-harm behaviors, or threats of violence
What trauma-informed care principle helps nurses avoid re-traumatizing a child during assessments?
Safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment
What is one way to integrate emotional check-ins into routine pediatric visits?
Include short mood screeners or “How are you feeling today?” questions
What’s a simple community-level approach to improving children’s post-COVID mental health?
Promoting after-school programs, sports, or mentorship opportunities