KARACHI- Experts of Mental health and pediatricians have warned that the global pandemic Covid19 has resulted in a long delay in traditional or regular teaching, leading to a decline in children’s participation in classrooms and enthusiasm for extracurricular activities. If left untreated on scientific and medical grounds the future of children will be adversely affected and cannot be remedied , experts said at the Health Icon Medical and Diagnostic Center on University Road,in a workshop on “The effects of the Covid19 and the emotional and psychological behavior of children” Addressing the workshop which was attended by senior teachers of renowned schools and parents. From the workshop, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Zobia Ramzan, Dow University Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Vas Dev Amr, Pediatrician Dr. Sajid Jabbar, Renowned Psychotherapist Dr. Kulsoom Haider, Clinical Psychologist Miss Sanbal, Miss Hina Speech Therapists Miss Asma Agha, Miss Mehwish, Dr. Fahila and Dr Zakia Iftikhar also addressed. Addressing the workshop, Dr. Vas Dev Amr said that the trend of drug use among the children of older classes has also been observed to increase during the long holidays of Covid. In addition ice, crystal, marijuana and cocaine cases are also on the rise, especially in the posh areas. Along with physicians,Government and social organizations should also looked into this issue. Dr. Kulsoom Haider said that teachers should focus on children at school and parents at home. If they observe any change in their attitudes and tendencies, they should find a solution through mutual communication. Mental health experts can also be consulted. She said that it is necessary to keep an eye on the children studying in religious madrassas along with the school.Miss Hina highlighted various ways to control children’s anger and test their intelligence
Dr. Sajid Jabbar said that these days there are already common complaints in some children that children have abdominal pain during school and recover soon after coming home. Parents need to see that the child has abdominal pain with other complaints such as mild fever, nausea and dizziness, consult a pediatrician for such children,and in other case you should consult other mental health professionals Sanbal Mujeeb said that teachers should try to involve students in the class and parents should try to stay positive at home.As a nation it is our habit to stay in thoughts of the past or the future. We must try to stay in the present. If this path is difficult, then we must follow the same path because it will brighten our future. We have to decide How to live today and now for the sake of our future.
Dr. Zobia Ramzan, while explaining the ways to arouse the interest of studies in children without hurting their self-esteem, said that it is generally believed that children should be inclined towards studies without being harsh. This impression is not entirely correct but there is no need of bullying , scolding and reprimanding to make the child feel insulted. Dr. Zakia Iftikhar and other experts said that at present all children in general and especially those with changed behavior need to be thoroughly examined. Their psychology needs to be understood. So that , they will save the future of themselves and the nation. During the workshop, the experts also answered the questions of participants and discussed various ways to solve the problems. Participants appreciated the program and suggested to continue the activity.
