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. The disruption of in-person learning,
social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare has posed immediate and long-term
challenges to mental well-being. Factors such as infection concerns, social isolation, and
socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress. Vulnerable populations, such as those with
socioeconomic disadvantages and neurodiverse needs, are at an increased risk of negative mental
health outcomes. Policymakers and practitioners need to prioritize addressing these mental health
issues, providing access to services, promoting resilience, and implementing 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 and provide resources for teachers, students, and parents. Reference: Mental
Health America's Back to School Toolkit.
2. Community workshops and seminars: Local organizations can organize events to raise
awareness about children's mental health, providing information and resources to parents
and caregivers. Reference: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) community education
programs.
3. Social media campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to share informative and engaging
content about children's mental health, promoting awareness, and providing resources.
Reference: Child Mind Institute's social media awareness campaigns.
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 impacts on
their well-being. Children may experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal
ideation, which can have long-term consequences. Factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages and
disruptions in education and support systems further contribute to negative outcomes. Addressing
mental health issues in children is crucial for their overall well-being, healthy development, and
future success. Policymakers and practitioners must prioritize mental health services, support
preventive measures, and promote resilience to mitigate the long-term effects of the pandemic.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article references various studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings, demonstrating a reliance on evidence-based information.
2. Use of formal language: The text utilizes a formal and professional language style, which
enhances clarity and credibility in academic writing.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format, with clear introduction,
discussion, and conclusion sections, ensuring coherence and logical flow of ideas.
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 online learning can pose challenges for vulnerable students. Those
with special education needs may require additional support that is difficult to provide remotely.
Students lacking digital access or tools may face difficulties in participating fully in online classes,
leading to learning gaps. Unstable home settings can also create distractions and limited resources
significant mental health impacts on children and adolescents. The disruption of in-person learning,
social networks, recreational activities, and access to healthcare has posed immediate and long-term
challenges to mental well-being. Factors such as infection concerns, social isolation, and
socioeconomic stressors contribute to mental distress. Vulnerable populations, such as those with
socioeconomic disadvantages and neurodiverse needs, are at an increased risk of negative mental
health outcomes. Policymakers and practitioners need to prioritize addressing these mental health
issues, providing access to services, promoting resilience, and implementing 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 and provide resources for teachers, students, and parents. Reference: Mental
Health America's Back to School Toolkit.
2. Community workshops and seminars: Local organizations can organize events to raise
awareness about children's mental health, providing information and resources to parents
and caregivers. Reference: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) community education
programs.
3. Social media campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to share informative and engaging
content about children's mental health, promoting awareness, and providing resources.
Reference: Child Mind Institute's social media awareness campaigns.
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 impacts on
their well-being. Children may experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal
ideation, which can have long-term consequences. Factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages and
disruptions in education and support systems further contribute to negative outcomes. Addressing
mental health issues in children is crucial for their overall well-being, healthy development, and
future success. Policymakers and practitioners must prioritize mental health services, support
preventive measures, and promote resilience to mitigate the long-term effects of the pandemic.
d) Quote and discuss the effects of any THREE features of academic writing from the text:
1. Citing previous research: The article references various studies and systematic reviews to
support its claims and findings, demonstrating a reliance on evidence-based information.
2. Use of formal language: The text utilizes a formal and professional language style, which
enhances clarity and credibility in academic writing.
3. Structured organization: The article follows a structured format, with clear introduction,
discussion, and conclusion sections, ensuring coherence and logical flow of ideas.
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 online learning can pose challenges for vulnerable students. Those
with special education needs may require additional support that is difficult to provide remotely.
Students lacking digital access or tools may face difficulties in participating fully in online classes,
leading to learning gaps. Unstable home settings can also create distractions and limited resources
