Demand For Urgent Action As Plight Of Our Youth Becomes 'National Emergency'

Let them play, say psychologists

- Lucy Johnston

Experts have called for urgent action to protect children from the harm of lockdown, saying youngsters are being used in “an unethical mass experiment” and warning we are on the brink of a “national emergency”.

They are urging the Government to take urgent steps to examine and address the collateral damage that has been caused to children from issues such as school closures, lockdowns and social isolation as a result of the pandemic.

One specialist is calling for a task force to be launched immediately and to remain in place for 10 years, which would include experts in child abuse and neglect, childhood depression, suicide and anxiety, as well as physical, educational and developmental health.

Generation Lockdown is facing lower life expectancy, poverty, long-term mental health problems and higher suicide rates.

There is an urgent “need to promote hope”, insist experts.

Dr Robert Hughes, a clinical research fellow in early childhood development at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “We are seeing the tip of a very dark iceberg and we need both an emergency and long-term response.

“I’m concerned that while the Government has lately talked about children being a priority, actions – and budgets – speak louder than words.

“Protecting the NHS and saving lives are of course vital, but a year in we mustn’t stop there.

“Our politicians need to acknowledge there are a range of priorities, which surely must include addressing the long-term effects of lockdowns which we know will have a detrimental effect on the next generation.”