How Children Perceive COVID-19? Kids Drawings and Perceptions of Parents

Author(s): Shelina Bhamani, Vardah Bharuchi, Nasreen Ali, Dawood Ahmed, Areeba Makhdoom, Falak Zehra Mohsin, Ramla Hashmi, Sanober Nadeem, Hijaan Mitha, Alyza Muhammad, Mohsina Hussain, Fatima Shafiq, Ali Fai

COVID-19 affected many lives, number of children become stressful and socially isolated. School closure also has great impact on children’s social-emotional development and overall wellbeing. The aim of current study was to identify children’s reactions to COVID-19 and its impact on academic and social life. Qualitative participatory research design was used to assess children perception about COVID-19. Data were collected from parent’s interview and Children drawing. Three major themes include: Fear of the drastic changes, increased sense of responsibility, and gratitude for being at home with family was reported by the parents however children drawings revealed that most of the children felt unhappy and sad because of lock down they were missing things they were missing enjoyed earlier such as school, fiends and outdoor activities and games. This is astonished that most of the children drawn the COVID-19 virus and represented as giant and ugly. Few children also draw mask and other protective measures. Public awareness program on COVID-19 protection and mental health promotion of will be window of opportunity for children psychosocial wellbeing.