Addressing mental health issues
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children should play for at least 1 hour each day. But with the current lockdown due to the Coronavirus, children are spending all their time at home. Children are spending a significant amount of time playing video games and watching television.
Because of that, children’s mental stress is increasing, and physical needs are not fulfilled. It can have a long-term effect on children’s habits of learning and behavior. Studies show that many children and adults will get diagnosed with depression due to lockdown and school closure. Mental health issues will become more prevalent due to our lifestyle change to maintain social distancing for the next 1-2 years.
Our organization (Monkey Sports) conducted a physical and mental health survey where we found that children are spending more time on screen and are more irritated, angry and sad than before. Furthermore, the study shows that children are unaware of the key prevention techniques recommended by the World Health Organization to fight against COVID. Additionally, several myths (for example taking a shower with hot water) have spread in the communities, leading to dangerous outcomes.
Therefore, our team has decided to create a sports program (online and offline) that children can use while maintaining social distancing. Through the offline session, we teach children about the myths and raise awareness about mental health issues. Simultaneously, the online program engages children continuously by engaging them with parents and using minimum equipment.
We have focused on the engagement of children and parents as it can help to improve the positive environment at home. The program ensures that when children get back to school, they are active and ready to learn with less stress syndrome.
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