The Severe Impact of COVID-19 on Children’s Physical and Mental Health

Without sports, providing an outlet for socializing and exercise, America’s youth are suffering

The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), representing the nation’s children’s hospitals and pediatricians, call on Congress and the Biden Administration to prioritize children’s mental, emotional and behavioral health in proposals addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health is the #1 reason parents want their children participating in sports. According to a recent study by Aspen Institute, 87% of parents want their child to participate in sports for for the benefit of their child’s mental health. Sports help improve social skills, fitness, communication, motor skills development, self-confidence and so much more. At SFIA, we have been advocating the far-reaching benefits of physical activity for decades. Our commitment to youth activity is second to none, and we must bring attention to the detrimental results a lack of sports may have on today’s youth.

“This past summer, as the pandemic raged and social isolation limited access to school, friends and other support systems, hospitalizations at children’s hospitals significantly increased. These included an increase of nearly 20% increase in suicide attempts and more than 40% in disruptive behavior disorders.” (Children’s Hospital Association)

Aspen Institute reports that youth sports participation is down 50–60%, compared to before the pandemic. And nearly 30% of kids have no interest in sports altogether, up from only 18% in May 2020, meaning kids are losing interest rapidly the longer they are away from the game.

Today’s youth are deprived of crucial developmental skills that are generally practiced and honed through group activity. While children’s health and safety are the #1 priority, as we come out of the pandemic, and it is safe to resume normal practices, we must return with more enthusiasm than ever. It is up to us to make up for time lost and help America’s youth get back on track.

Sports play a vital role in our society, and we must be committed to a full return to play for the future health of our nation. Children’s mental and physical health are largely at risk during this time, and combatting this challenge will heavily rely on our ability to bounce back to the sidelines as soon as it is safe.

In the words of The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), “Now is the time for us to step up and invest in a broad-scale, comprehensive approach to prevention, early intervention and treatment.”