Prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, children were free to go to school, hang out with their friends, and play outside. But since the lockdowns were imposed, children were cooped up at home and were forced to adapt to online learning.

Save the Children Philippines is concerned how these lockdowns and limited social interactions negatively impacted their development. In observance of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, the children's organization made a call for parents, guardians, and teachers to ensure that children’s right to development - including social and emotional - are attended to despite the pandemic.

The organization sadly noted that many children are anxious and sad because they are worried about not being able to catch up academically. They also miss their friends in school and the activities they used to enjoy outside.

Atty. Alberto Muyot, the group's Chief Executive Officer, said that parents and guardians should utilize the quarantine period in building up their relationships with children and provide whatever emotional needs they have.

"When adults face different challenges as they juggle their daily lives or encounter problems that they are not used to, especially before COVID-19, they may not be able to provide attentive care to their children," said Muyot.

"Parents, guardians should be patient and empathize with their children because they also go through similar psychosocial distress," he added.

Save the Children Philippines is actively advocating Positive Discipline – a parenting approach that strengthens the relationship between parents or guardians and their children.

Through positive discipline, parents and guardians show children their love and support without using hurtful ways of disciplining. In doing so, children feel empowered and they are able to thrive and develop to their full potential because they are living in a safe and supportive environment.