How the Pandemic Changed Young Lives
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life for everyone, but its impact on adolescents and school-going children has been particularly concerning. In a study published in Apollo Medicine in 2022, we examined how the pandemic affected the physical and mental health of school students. What we found confirmed what many parents feared — the months of lockdowns, school closures, and restricted outdoor activity left a measurable mark on the health and wellbeing of young people.
Screen Time, Inactivity, and Dietary Changes
One of the most significant findings from our study was the dramatic increase in screen time among adolescents during the pandemic. With online classes replacing in-person school and social activities moving to phones and tablets, many students were spending far more hours in front of screens than ever before. At the same time, physical activity dropped sharply. Playgrounds were closed, sports activities were suspended, and many children spent entire days indoors. Dietary habits also shifted — with more snacking, increased consumption of processed and packaged foods, and irregular meal timings becoming common patterns during the lockdown period.
Mental Health: The Less Visible Impact
Beyond the physical changes, our study also highlighted the mental health toll of the pandemic on young people. Many students reported feelings of anxiety, loneliness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The sudden loss of social interaction with friends and teachers, combined with uncertainty about exams and the future, created significant emotional stress. Sleep patterns were disrupted for many, with students staying up late and waking at irregular hours. These mental health effects are not to be taken lightly, as adolescence is a critical period for emotional development.
Moving Forward with Awareness
The findings from this study serve as an important reminder that the health effects of the pandemic extend well beyond the virus itself. As we move forward, it is essential for parents and healthcare providers to pay attention to the lifestyle habits and emotional wellbeing of young people. At Arise Medical Centre, we provide comprehensive health assessments that look at the whole picture — physical health, nutrition, activity levels, and mental wellbeing. If your child developed unhealthy habits during the pandemic, it is never too late to course-correct with the right guidance and support.
This article is based on a peer-reviewed research paper by Dr. K S Premlal and colleagues. View all publications (PDF)