a) The text discusses the significant mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children
and adolescents. It highlights how the pandemic and associated mitigation measures, such as social
isolation and disruption of regular routines, have led to immediate and long-term mental health
challenges. The text also emphasizes the exacerbation of mental health issues in individuals with
pre-existing conditions and those in vulnerable situations, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged
or neurodiverse individuals. It underscores the need for urgent monitoring of mental health at a
population level and the development of innovative approaches to increase access to mental health
services. The text concludes by suggesting that the pandemic could provide an opportunity to
identify gaps in mental health service provision and improve these systems.
b) Awareness about mental health issues in children can be raised through various methods. Firstly,
educational programs can be implemented in schools to teach children about mental health, its
importance, and how to seek help if needed. Secondly, media campaigns can be used to reach a
wider audience, including parents and caregivers, to inform them about the signs of mental health
issues in children and available resources. Lastly, community outreach programs can be organized to
provide information and resources directly to families in need. These methods can be supported by
research from the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, which
emphasize the importance of education, media campaigns, and community outreach in raising
mental health awareness.
c) Mental health issues in children should be taken seriously because they can have long-term
impacts on the child's life, affecting their academic performance, social relationships, and overall
well-being. The text highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues due to
social isolation, disruption of routines, and increased stress. Children with pre-existing mental health
conditions may experience worsening symptoms, and those in vulnerable situations may be at a
higher risk. Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to prioritize mental health in
children and adolescents, to mitigate these impacts and ensure their healthy development.
d) The text exhibits several features of academic writing. Firstly, it uses formal language and a
professional tone, as seen in phrases like "prolonged social isolation and home confinement may
lead to immediate and long-term mental health and well-being challenges". Secondly, it provides
evidence to support its claims, citing various studies and authors. For example, it references
Kaufman et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020; Aknin et al., 2021, among others. Thirdly, it maintains
objectivity, presenting facts and research findings without personal bias or emotion.
e) I agree with the statement that "Students who rely on special education, lack digital access or
tools, or live in unstable home settings fall behind their peers as schools move online". The shift to
online learning due to the pandemic has created a digital divide, where students without access to
the necessary technology or stable internet connection are at a disadvantage. Additionally, students
who rely on special education services may not receive the same level of support in an online
setting. This is supported by the text, which discusses how the pandemic has disrupted routines and
resources, leading to increased mental health challenges for children and adolescents.
and adolescents. It highlights how the pandemic and associated mitigation measures, such as social
isolation and disruption of regular routines, have led to immediate and long-term mental health
challenges. The text also emphasizes the exacerbation of mental health issues in individuals with
pre-existing conditions and those in vulnerable situations, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged
or neurodiverse individuals. It underscores the need for urgent monitoring of mental health at a
population level and the development of innovative approaches to increase access to mental health
services. The text concludes by suggesting that the pandemic could provide an opportunity to
identify gaps in mental health service provision and improve these systems.
b) Awareness about mental health issues in children can be raised through various methods. Firstly,
educational programs can be implemented in schools to teach children about mental health, its
importance, and how to seek help if needed. Secondly, media campaigns can be used to reach a
wider audience, including parents and caregivers, to inform them about the signs of mental health
issues in children and available resources. Lastly, community outreach programs can be organized to
provide information and resources directly to families in need. These methods can be supported by
research from the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization, which
emphasize the importance of education, media campaigns, and community outreach in raising
mental health awareness.
c) Mental health issues in children should be taken seriously because they can have long-term
impacts on the child's life, affecting their academic performance, social relationships, and overall
well-being. The text highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues due to
social isolation, disruption of routines, and increased stress. Children with pre-existing mental health
conditions may experience worsening symptoms, and those in vulnerable situations may be at a
higher risk. Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to prioritize mental health in
children and adolescents, to mitigate these impacts and ensure their healthy development.
d) The text exhibits several features of academic writing. Firstly, it uses formal language and a
professional tone, as seen in phrases like "prolonged social isolation and home confinement may
lead to immediate and long-term mental health and well-being challenges". Secondly, it provides
evidence to support its claims, citing various studies and authors. For example, it references
Kaufman et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020; Aknin et al., 2021, among others. Thirdly, it maintains
objectivity, presenting facts and research findings without personal bias or emotion.
e) I agree with the statement that "Students who rely on special education, lack digital access or
tools, or live in unstable home settings fall behind their peers as schools move online". The shift to
online learning due to the pandemic has created a digital divide, where students without access to
the necessary technology or stable internet connection are at a disadvantage. Additionally, students
who rely on special education services may not receive the same level of support in an online
setting. This is supported by the text, which discusses how the pandemic has disrupted routines and
resources, leading to increased mental health challenges for children and adolescents.
