Weaker body, higher levels of stress and internet addiction are just some of the “negative physical and mental health impacts” of distance learning on students, according to a multi-stakeholder survey.
While distance learning has paved the way for education continuity amidst the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in the country, the survey released by the Movement for Safe, Equitable, Quality and Relevant Education (SEQuRe Education Movement) on Thursday, July 15, detailed the possible “negative impacts” of the new learning set-up on students.
Distance learning vs physical health
According to survey results, “most number of respondents” noted the negative effects of distance learning on the physical health of students.
The survey showed that 44 to 46 percent of the student-respondents and 44 to 49 percent of parent-respondents observed several common physical health issues during the first year of distance learning which include weaker body or immune system, frequent headaches, eye problems, and weight loss or weight gain.
These physical conditions, the survey said, were attributed to various pandemic and distance learning-related reasons such as lack of physical exercise, long hours of screen time, inadequate sleep due to numerous academic requirements and deadlines, and irregular meals and meal times due to mounting class and household duties.
Distance learning vs mental health
The survey also noted that “less, but still sizable portions” of students and parents (36 to 41 percent and 31 to 41 percent, respectively) reported or observed “negative mental health effects” of remote learning among children.
Among the mental health concerns identified by the student-respondents include mental and emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.
The student-respondents attributed these mental health concerns to various contributors such as being overwhelmed with class and household duties; limited or lack of social interaction; inability to understand the lessons through distance learning modes or difficulty in self-directed learning; feeling of being alone; and confusion or difficulty to cope with the current situation and set-up.
The parents, on the other hand, observed various behavioral changes among their children such as higher levels of stress; low self confidence; boredom, listlessness, or reduced motivation; irritability and anxiety; confusion; and internet addiction.
For the SEQuRe Education Movement, the government’s “negligent and bungled handling” of education amid the pandemic has caused more than enough hardships to education stakeholders.
“The glaring problems need the most urgent attention and solutions, and the recommendations given by teachers, students and parents are good points to start with,” the network added.
The said survey was conducted by SEQuRe Education Movement to “assess the one-year implementation of the distance learning program in public basic education in the country.”
The survey was conducted from June 25 to July 2, 2021.
It was participated in by 1,278 teachers; 1,299 Grades 4 to 12 students; and 3,172 parents.
Majority of the participants came from the National Capital Region (NCR).