The Covid-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented global lockdown, abruptly closing schools and confining 2.2 billion children and young people to their homes. This sudden shift dismantled daily routines and eliminated access to clubs, sports, and social gatherings, replacing them with home-based activities and increased screen time. Many children missed out on significant milestones, such as graduations and birthday parties, while some endured complete social isolation for over a year. The resultant lack of peer interaction and structured learning environments raised concerns about long-term developmental and educational setbacks.

Physical health was also impacted, with studies noting a rise in childhood obesity and a decline in gross motor skills due to reduced outdoor play and increased sedentary behavior. Educators observed that children who spent their formative years in lockdown were more physically cautious and less confident in activities like jumping or climbing. For underprivileged children, the lockdown exacerbated existing inequalities, leading to acute deprivation of nutrition, healthcare, and protection, and increasing their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

The psychological toll of the pandemic has been profound. Children experienced heightened levels of anxiety, depression, irritability, and behavioral issues during and after lockdowns. Many reported sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and increased emotional volatility. These effects were more pronounced in families facing economic hardship or parental stress, and among children who lost loved ones to Covid-19. Social isolation and uncertainty contributed to feelings of loneliness and fear, with some children developing symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Interestingly, researchers have also observed an increase in emotional maturity among some children, possibly as a response to adversity. Exposure to complex topics, such as illness and mortality, may have accelerated their emotional development. However, these gains have come alongside persistent social and behavioral challenges, including reluctance to separate from parents, slower achievement of developmental milestones, and decreased prosocial behavior.