Paediatricians, child psychologists and behavioural experts are concerned about the long-term impact of the pandemic and the extended months of being cooped up indoors on children and young adults. If ignored now, the experts say, the emotional and psychological distress will affect the overall growth of children.

Schools and colleges across India have mostly been shut since March 2020, and various restrictions have been in place since then. Children under 18 years form 41 per cent of India’s population. Dr Subhash Hira, Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington-Seattle, is advisor to several UN and Indian health agencies. He said children are afraid about catching the virus, mainly because they think they can infect their grandparents, and this makes them feel guilty. “They are scared, nervous, lonely, sad, bored, and angry, but also feel safe, calm, and happy being with their families,” said Dr Hira.