a) In your own words, summarise the main ideas of the text: "The COVID-19 pandemic and its
mitigation measures have significantly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents.
Disruptions in education, social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare have
posed immediate and long-term challenges. Factors such as infection concerns, social isolation, and
worsening socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress. Pre-existing vulnerabilities, like
socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, exacerbate the negative outcomes.
Policymakers and practitioners should address these issues, provide mental health services, promote
resilience, and implement preventive measures."
b) Suggest THREE ways in which awareness can be raised about mental health issues in children:
1. Education and training programs: Schools can incorporate mental health education into the
curriculum to provide knowledge and resources. Reference: Mental Health America's Back to
School Toolkit.
2. Public campaigns: Governments and organizations can launch awareness campaigns through
various media platforms. Reference: 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 to raise awareness and support children's
mental health. Reference: Child Mind Institute's "Speak Up for Kids" campaign.
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 and its measures have had
significant impacts. Children experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal
ideation, which can have long-term consequences. Pre-existing vulnerabilities and disruptions to
education and support systems further worsen the outcomes. Addressing mental health issues is
crucial for children's overall well-being and future success. Policymakers and practitioners must
prioritize mental health services, preventive measures, and support systems to mitigate the
pandemic's long-term effects.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article references multiple studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings. This adds credibility and strengthens arguments.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs formal language and specific terminology,
maintaining a professional tone and conveying information effectively.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format with an introduction,
discussion of factors and outcomes, and concluding recommendations. This ensures a logical
flow of ideas and adherence to academic writing conventions.
e) Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the statement regarding the impact of online learning
on vulnerable students: According to the text, students relying on special education, lacking digital
access or tools, or living in unstable home settings may fall behind their peers during online learning.
I agree with this statement as the shift to online education disproportionately affects vulnerable
students who may struggle to access resources and support. Special education needs and unstable
home environments create additional barriers to learning, leading to potential gaps in education.
mitigation measures have significantly impacted the mental health of children and adolescents.
Disruptions in education, social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare have
posed immediate and long-term challenges. Factors such as infection concerns, social isolation, and
worsening socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress. Pre-existing vulnerabilities, like
socioeconomic disadvantage and neurodiverse needs, exacerbate the negative outcomes.
Policymakers and practitioners should address these issues, provide mental health services, promote
resilience, and implement preventive measures."
b) Suggest THREE ways in which awareness can be raised about mental health issues in children:
1. Education and training programs: Schools can incorporate mental health education into the
curriculum to provide knowledge and resources. Reference: Mental Health America's Back to
School Toolkit.
2. Public campaigns: Governments and organizations can launch awareness campaigns through
various media platforms. Reference: 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 to raise awareness and support children's
mental health. Reference: Child Mind Institute's "Speak Up for Kids" campaign.
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 and its measures have had
significant impacts. Children experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal
ideation, which can have long-term consequences. Pre-existing vulnerabilities and disruptions to
education and support systems further worsen the outcomes. Addressing mental health issues is
crucial for children's overall well-being and future success. Policymakers and practitioners must
prioritize mental health services, preventive measures, and support systems to mitigate the
pandemic's long-term effects.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article references multiple studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings. This adds credibility and strengthens arguments.
2. Use of formal language: The text employs formal language and specific terminology,
maintaining a professional tone and conveying information effectively.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format with an introduction,
discussion of factors and outcomes, and concluding recommendations. This ensures a logical
flow of ideas and adherence to academic writing conventions.
e) Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the statement regarding the impact of online learning
on vulnerable students: According to the text, students relying on special education, lacking digital
access or tools, or living in unstable home settings may fall behind their peers during online learning.
I agree with this statement as the shift to online education disproportionately affects vulnerable
students who may struggle to access resources and support. Special education needs and unstable
home environments create additional barriers to learning, leading to potential gaps in education.
