a) In the article, it is highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated mitigation measures
have significant mental health impacts on children and adolescents. The disruption of in-person
learning, social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare has led to immediate and
long-term challenges to mental health and well-being. Factors contributing to mental distress
include concerns about infection, social isolation, and worsening socioeconomic stressors. The
article emphasizes that the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors and inadequate protective
factors can reduce mental well-being and increase vulnerability to mental illness. Pre-existing
vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, further exacerbate the
negative mental health outcomes during the pandemic. It is crucial for policymakers and
practitioners to address these mental health issues, provide access to mental health services,
promote resilience, and implement preventive measures.
b) Three ways to raise awareness about mental health issues in children include:
1. Education and training programs: Schools can incorporate mental health education into their
curriculum, providing students with knowledge and resources to understand and address
mental health challenges. External source: Mental Health America's Back to School Toolkit.
2. Public campaigns: Governments and organizations can launch public awareness campaigns
through various media platforms to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
External source: National Institute of Mental Health's "Shareable Resources on Children's
Mental Health."
3. Community partnerships: Collaboration between schools, healthcare providers, and
community organizations can create initiatives that increase awareness and provide support
for children's mental health. External source: Child Mind Institute's "Speak Up for Kids"
campaign.
c) Mental health issues in children should be taken seriously due to several reasons mentioned in the
text. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures have had significant impacts on
children's mental health, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
These effects can have long-term consequences on their well-being and development. Secondly, pre-
existing vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, further
increase the risk of poor mental health outcomes. Thirdly, disruptions to education, social networks,
and access to support systems have compromised children's mental health and safety. Lastly,
addressing mental health issues in children is crucial for their overall well-being and future success.
Policymakers and practitioners need to prioritize and invest in mental health services, preventive
measures, and support systems to mitigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children's
mental health.
d) Three features of academic writing in the text include:
1. Citing previous research: The article references multiple studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings. This demonstrates the use of evidence to strengthen
arguments and establish credibility in academic writing.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs formal language and terminology specific to the
field of mental health and academic research. This maintains a professional tone and
conveys information in a clear and concise manner.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format, beginning with an
introduction, discussing various factors and outcomes, and concluding with
have significant mental health impacts on children and adolescents. The disruption of in-person
learning, social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare has led to immediate and
long-term challenges to mental health and well-being. Factors contributing to mental distress
include concerns about infection, social isolation, and worsening socioeconomic stressors. The
article emphasizes that the cumulative effect of multiple risk factors and inadequate protective
factors can reduce mental well-being and increase vulnerability to mental illness. Pre-existing
vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, further exacerbate the
negative mental health outcomes during the pandemic. It is crucial for policymakers and
practitioners to address these mental health issues, provide access to mental health services,
promote resilience, and implement preventive measures.
b) Three ways to raise awareness about mental health issues in children include:
1. Education and training programs: Schools can incorporate mental health education into their
curriculum, providing students with knowledge and resources to understand and address
mental health challenges. External source: Mental Health America's Back to School Toolkit.
2. Public campaigns: Governments and organizations can launch public awareness campaigns
through various media platforms to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.
External source: National Institute of Mental Health's "Shareable Resources on Children's
Mental Health."
3. Community partnerships: Collaboration between schools, healthcare providers, and
community organizations can create initiatives that increase awareness and provide support
for children's mental health. External source: Child Mind Institute's "Speak Up for Kids"
campaign.
c) Mental health issues in children should be taken seriously due to several reasons mentioned in the
text. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures have had significant impacts on
children's mental health, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
These effects can have long-term consequences on their well-being and development. Secondly, pre-
existing vulnerabilities, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, further
increase the risk of poor mental health outcomes. Thirdly, disruptions to education, social networks,
and access to support systems have compromised children's mental health and safety. Lastly,
addressing mental health issues in children is crucial for their overall well-being and future success.
Policymakers and practitioners need to prioritize and invest in mental health services, preventive
measures, and support systems to mitigate the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children's
mental health.
d) Three features of academic writing in the text include:
1. Citing previous research: The article references multiple studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings. This demonstrates the use of evidence to strengthen
arguments and establish credibility in academic writing.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs formal language and terminology specific to the
field of mental health and academic research. This maintains a professional tone and
conveys information in a clear and concise manner.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format, beginning with an
introduction, discussing various factors and outcomes, and concluding with
