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By Teagan Rasche

'A lot of social disconnect'

New report highlights the biggest impact COVID-19 has had on kids

Sep 2, 2021 | 4:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A new report has some startling figures about how the pandemic is affecting children across the country.

Raising Canada 2021 shows the last 18 months has accelerated and amplified the top threats to childhood.

Non-profits dedicated to helping abuse victims across Medicine Hat have seen an increase in the number of people seeking help.

“The effects of the pandemic of people having to stay at home and be locked up in the midst of dealing with crisis from family violence, really exacerbated a lot of issues for families,” Natasha Carvalho, executive director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society said.

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The report goes as far as saying the pandemic has resulted in children’s rights violations. The top findings found kids mental health, food insecurity, child abuse, and limited physical activity have been impacted.

Christina Johnson with the Sanare Centre expects the demand for services to keep increasing.

“We do know and we expect to see an increasing rising number of reported incidences of sexual assault and sexual abuse in children and youth anywhere for the next six to 18 months,” Johnson said.

It’s not just abuse affecting children.

According to Raising Canada 2021, less physical activity among children was also a big concern.

Sharon Hayward, CEO of the Medicine Hat YMCA, says it’s been most impacted by the public health restrictions by being closed or open at limited capacity.

“That meant the opportunity for kids to get physical in the community were greatly reduced,” Hayward said.

But now the YMCA is operating normally, and seeing a big demand in kids getting active again.

Over in the schools, many children are still struggling. Integrated Youth Services Navigator Carley Dennis notices high anxiety levels among kids.

“A lot of social disconnect, that’s a big trend that I’ve seen,” Dennis said. “People who have never experienced mental health issues before, are now experiencing them due to that social disconnect.”

But there’s some optimism now that kids are back to in-person learning, and getting social interaction.

For those facing challenges, both the women’s shelter and Sanare Centre say if you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out them them anytime.

“It’s really important that we respond by saying I believe you, it’s not your fault, I’m going to try to get you some help with this,” Johnson said.