The impact of COVID-19 on deaf children in the United Kingdom

• Autores: Barry Wright, Hayley Carrick, Megan Garside, Rebecca Hargate, Daniel Noin, Rosie Eggleston
• Localización: International Journal on Mental Health and Deafness, ISSN 2226-3462, Vol. 5, Nº. 1, 2021
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Object: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the mental health of deaf children and young people (CYP) across the United Kingdom. Method: An online survey, consisting of questions coproduced with members of the National Deaf Children’s Society Young Campaigners was circulated during the months of August and September 2020. The survey explored mode of communication, mental health, emotional and psychological wellbeing and support accessed. Results: 135 deaf children and young people responded. Nearly 60% of participants reported that their mental health was worse during the period of social restrictions (lockdown) and large numbers reported feeling isolated and lonely. 67.9% of our sample agreed that there was someone in their life they were able to talk to about their mental health, with support often received from family or friends. Conclusion: This is a small study but highlights some major mental health challenges for deaf children and young people during the COVID-19 crisis in the UK. Further research is warranted to explore the mental health of minority groups such as deaf CYP, to better understand their needs and develop appropriate and accessible preventive measures and mental health support.