Social connectedness in children at school after COVID-19

Social connectedness is crucial to feel welcome in school. Yet, how was this affected by the national school-closure during the COVID-19 pandemic? In our publication, Adva Eichengreen and colleagues compared children’s social connectedness before and after these closures.  

Children had wearable sensors and were observed during their breaktime; and they reported with whom they liked playing (peer nominations), with which the investigators could measure their social interactions and connectedness at the playground.

Results showed children to spend more time in playground social interactions and social play after the school closure, with more different children, and better connectedness. These outcomes suggest that children were eager to socialize after a substantial separation from their peers.

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Read the full article here!

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