The government on Sunday issued an advisory for addressing mental health and psychosocial aspects of children and families during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.
Developedby the IASC’s Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, theAdvisory calls for encouraging active listening and an understanding attitudewith the children.
It call for encouraging anincreased sensitive and caring environment around the children as children needadults’ love and often more dedicated attention during difficult times.
“If possible, makeopportunities for children to play and relax, Keep children close to theirparents and family, if considered safe for the child, and avoid separatingchildren and their caregivers as much as possible,” said an official statement.”Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible or help to create newones in a new environment, including learning, playing and relaxing. Ifpossible, maintain schoolwork, study or other routine activities that do not endangerchildren or go against health authorities.”
The advisory by ChildGuidance and Well Being Center -a nodal Center for Child & AdolescentMental Health Services Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS),Kashmir says stay connected in virtual world through phones and WhatsApp: “Youcan make groups on various social media platforms, of extended families andfriends. Ask about well being of each other, but don’t remain stuck with coronatalk. Use humour and reassurances liberally. Remind each other of previousdifficult situations from which we emerged unscathed. If you are not able toforce one, smile on video calls,” it reads.
It emphasizes thatneighbours should continue chatting and socialising through windows (providedthat windows are two meters apart) as was norm in yesteryears. “Revive the oldtradition of ‘Daraev kin darbar’,” it says. “During social distancing,vulnerability of children to abuse increases. So, be vigilant and make surewithin families if children are safe.”
It focuses on reading booksof interest, resting and sleeping in appropriate doses will all help and lonelywalks within your premises wherever possible can be very refreshing,” theadvisory reads.