For Person D: a) In your own words, summarise the main ideas of the text: "The COVID-19 pandemic
has had significant mental health impacts on children and adolescents, both during the pandemic
and in the long term. Mitigation measures, such as in-person learning disruptions, social isolation,
and limited access to healthcare, have challenged their mental well-being. Concerns about infection,
social determinants of mental health, and the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors contribute to
mental distress. Disasters and previous epidemics have shown the mental health impacts on
individuals, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, domestic violence, and child
abuse. Policymakers and practitioners globally should prioritize and monitor mental health to
prevent and mitigate the mental health effects of the pandemic."
b) Suggest THREE ways in which awareness can be raised about mental health issues in children:
1. Mental health literacy programs: Develop and implement educational programs in schools
and communities that focus on mental health awareness, self-care, and recognizing signs of
mental health issues in children. Reference: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
educational programs for youth.
2. Parent and caregiver support groups: Establish support groups that provide a safe space for
parents and caregivers to discuss mental health concerns, learn coping strategies, and share
experiences. Reference: Child Mind Institute's "Parent Support Groups" resource.
3. Collaboration with healthcare providers: Foster partnerships between schools, mental
health professionals, and primary care providers to promote mental health screenings, early
intervention, and access to mental health services for children. Reference: American
Academy of Pediatrics' collaborative care model.
c) Discuss why mental health issues in children should be taken seriously: Mental health issues in
children should be taken seriously because the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant and enduring
impacts on their well-being. The disruption of daily routines, social networks, and access to support
systems can lead to immediate and long-term mental health challenges. Factors such as concerns
about infection, social isolation, and socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress.
Vulnerable populations, including those with socioeconomic disadvantages and neurodiverse needs,
face increased risks. Addressing mental health issues in children is crucial as it affects their overall
development, academic performance, and future success. Policymakers and practitioners need to
prioritize mental health support, intervention, and prevention strategies to mitigate the long-lasting
effects of the pandemic on children's mental well-being.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article incorporates citations from various studies, research
papers, and reviews to support its claims and strengthen the arguments made. This
demonstrates the use of evidence-based information and adds credibility to the discussion.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs a formal language style consistent with academic
writing, which enhances clarity, professionalism, and maintains a scholarly tone.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a clear and organized structure, starting with an
introduction, discussing various factors and outcomes, and concluding with
recommendations. This structured approach ensures a logical flow of ideas and facilitates
understanding for the reader.
has had significant mental health impacts on children and adolescents, both during the pandemic
and in the long term. Mitigation measures, such as in-person learning disruptions, social isolation,
and limited access to healthcare, have challenged their mental well-being. Concerns about infection,
social determinants of mental health, and the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors contribute to
mental distress. Disasters and previous epidemics have shown the mental health impacts on
individuals, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, domestic violence, and child
abuse. Policymakers and practitioners globally should prioritize and monitor mental health to
prevent and mitigate the mental health effects of the pandemic."
b) Suggest THREE ways in which awareness can be raised about mental health issues in children:
1. Mental health literacy programs: Develop and implement educational programs in schools
and communities that focus on mental health awareness, self-care, and recognizing signs of
mental health issues in children. Reference: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
educational programs for youth.
2. Parent and caregiver support groups: Establish support groups that provide a safe space for
parents and caregivers to discuss mental health concerns, learn coping strategies, and share
experiences. Reference: Child Mind Institute's "Parent Support Groups" resource.
3. Collaboration with healthcare providers: Foster partnerships between schools, mental
health professionals, and primary care providers to promote mental health screenings, early
intervention, and access to mental health services for children. Reference: American
Academy of Pediatrics' collaborative care model.
c) Discuss why mental health issues in children should be taken seriously: Mental health issues in
children should be taken seriously because the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant and enduring
impacts on their well-being. The disruption of daily routines, social networks, and access to support
systems can lead to immediate and long-term mental health challenges. Factors such as concerns
about infection, social isolation, and socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress.
Vulnerable populations, including those with socioeconomic disadvantages and neurodiverse needs,
face increased risks. Addressing mental health issues in children is crucial as it affects their overall
development, academic performance, and future success. Policymakers and practitioners need to
prioritize mental health support, intervention, and prevention strategies to mitigate the long-lasting
effects of the pandemic on children's mental well-being.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article incorporates citations from various studies, research
papers, and reviews to support its claims and strengthen the arguments made. This
demonstrates the use of evidence-based information and adds credibility to the discussion.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs a formal language style consistent with academic
writing, which enhances clarity, professionalism, and maintains a scholarly tone.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a clear and organized structure, starting with an
introduction, discussing various factors and outcomes, and concluding with
recommendations. This structured approach ensures a logical flow of ideas and facilitates
understanding for the reader.
