Influence of distance learning on children and adolescents
The impact of remote learning on children and school-age youth has become a cause for concern for parents and a subject of interest for specialists. What are the negative effects of remote learning , and what aspects of development do they affect? Can distance learning still prove to be a valuable experience for the future? What do we currently know about the impact of remote learning on children , and how can we help our children navigate this situation? How can we cope with the difficulties it brings and avoid the most negative consequences?
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, in-person schooling has long been impossible. The negative effects of remote learning —forced by circumstances and introduced abruptly—are now being felt by most students. Although children and young people have returned to school, the epidemiological threat means some must learn from home again—at least for a while. Much indicates that this form of learning will remain with us for a long time. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the impact of remote learning on children and to counteract or minimize its negative effects. It is worth being aware that these effects affect both physical, mental, and social development.
The impact of remote learning on the psychosocial development of children and adolescents
The pandemic disrupted the school routine, the lives of children and adolescents, interfering with the roles played - a student, colleague and friend. Covid-19 has worsened the prospects of young people, causing anxiety about today and the future. The restrictions introduced along with the successive waves of the pandemic forced a change in the current functioning in everyday life, social life and the educational process. There is no doubt that all the restrictions have contributed to reducing the risk of spreading the virus, but at the same time have had a significant impact on the health of young people in many dimensions. The change in the organization of learning from stationary to remote learning, limitations in the operation of cultural and sports venues, resulted in the following:
- children had difficult contact with persons providing specialist assistance (psychologist, educator);
- they were limited interaction in relationships social (meetings with peers, direct contact with teachers);
- lengthened time spent in front of the computer.
The impact of distance learning also manifests itself through:
- limiting cultural activity children and adolescents (no excursions, school events, concerts, extracurricular activities);
- the need to stay at home, sometimes in a difficult family situation;
- no possibility to use free meals at school.
Other negative effects of distance learning
However, these are not the only negative effects of remote learning. In the broader social context, young people may have experienced a weakened sense of security due to the pandemic, fear for their own health and that of their loved ones, and a growing sense of isolation.
Remote learning has become a negative experience for young people. Restricted movement and the need to maintain social distancing impact physical health and well-being, which in turn impacts the mental well-being of children and young people. Loneliness, a sense of isolation, fear of losing peers and contacts, and being left alone to cope with the challenges of learning and organizing work – these are just some of the feelings that young people may have experienced.
Influence of distance learning on the physical development of children and adolescents
In the opinion of doctors and physiotherapists, school education carried out remotely - mainly via the Internet - may negatively affect the physical development of children and adolescents, although this impact has not yet been fully investigated.
Too much screen time
The negative effects are largely related to increased time spent using computers, tablets, and/or smartphones, while simultaneously limiting physical activity. Distance learning involves prolonged exposure to computer screens and awkward postures . It's important to remember that students at school also use computers and/or smartphones after classes for entertainment—for many, this is their favorite way to spend their free time.
Force position during remote learning
When learning remotely, focusing on lesson content often requires a forced posture at the computer . Students sit differently at school than at home in front of a screen. Therefore, it's essential to provide your child with a properly adjusted desk and chair that will allow for posture correction during online lessons. When choosing furniture for your child, pay attention to the appropriate desk height, seat angle, lighting, eye distance from the screen, and screen tilt. Detailed recommendations can be found here.
Expert advises
The younger the children, the greater the health risks associated with remote education. The negative effects may affect especially skeletal muscles, including paraspinal muscles, which are responsible for posture. Regardless of age, a student's daily work with a computer lasting several hours may have a negative impact on the prevention of civilization diseases, stimulation of proper physical and motor development, acquiring immunity, shaping the correct body posture and general health in the future.
Negative effects of distance learning: how to prevent it?
Let's help our children take active breaks while working remotely, allocating them to physical exercise (e.g., jumping jacks, squats, or jumping jacks) or short walks. During remote learning, let's ensure hygienic working conditions , including:
- fresh air supply (frequent ventilation),
- wearing corrective glasses (if necessary),
- regular meal breaks.
It's important to remember that with distance learning, students don't have to travel to and from school, which for many is their only form of physical activity. This is particularly important for children who are obese or at risk of obesity – in their case, it's especially important to compensate for these deficiencies.
The impact of distance learning: can it be positive?
The adverse effects of a pandemic can progress very quickly, so action is needed to help mitigate the effects of Covid-19, securing the future of children and adolescents (psychoeducation, interviews, crisis support, incentives, reward systems, etc.).
Expert advises
On the one hand, distance learning has many disadvantages, but on the other hand, returning to full-time school can cause concern for both students and teachers. There are doubts about establishing peer or social contacts, as well as meeting the requirements of studying at school. There is concern about the child's safety at school, but also hope for additional help.
How to overcome the online learning crisis? Remote learning has presented each of us with many challenges. While the future remains uncertain, viewing it solely through the lens of fear and frustration can thwart any positive impact of remote learning. It's also important to find something in this difficult experience that strengthens self-esteem. By allowing students to share their personal talents and achievements during remote learning or after returning to school, we create opportunities for them to hear themselves and recognize their hidden potential, even in small ways.
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