UAE: Low social skills, separation anxiety on the rise among kids starting school, say experts

UAE: Low social skills, separation anxiety on the rise among kids starting school, say experts

Psychologists urge parents to look out for warning signs among children born during or just before Covid-19 pandemic

Published: Thu 18 Aug 2022, 3:24 PM Last updated: Thu 18 Aug 2022, 3:50 PM

With the new academic school year looming, social anxiety and separation anxiety may be common among children born just before or during the recent pandemic, according to psychologists in the UAE.

Parents are being urged to look out for the signs and take steps to help ensure their child's transition into education in early September is a smooth one.

Anthony Nhlapo, Clinical Psychologist at Priory Wellbeing Centre, Dubai, says: "Every parent wants their child to have a wonderful experience when they start nursery or school for the first time. The pandemic, however, has shattered this opportunity for many young children and for those starting in September, many are unlikely to remember a time before Covid-19."

"I have witnessed an increase in underdeveloped social skills and separation anxiety among young children as a direct consequence of the pandemic and its associated restrictions. This will definitely impact negatively on their ability to adjust to any new social environment, especially a school setting. They may feel overwhelmed and have difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy relationships.