Experts are assessing the damage of COVID-19 on kids’ education. 

A new report from the University of Queensland suggests already vulnerable children likely suffered COVID-19-related setbacks with their schooling. 

Researchers say students that were falling behind at school likely saw their challenges with education exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a systematic review, the experts sought to describe key areas where children could have been negatively impacted.

The study highlights risks to health through increased mental health problems and a decrease in access to health services.

It also found risks that students would fall behind due to a change in social interactions from in-person to virtual. 

Economic issues could have hindered education too, as parents suffered job losses, more precarious work and the removal of COVID-19 support packages.

The study also looked at educational issues with school closures, online learning and the cancellation of school activities. 

The researchers say this framework could help support children to overcome the impacts of these extra barriers.

The study is accessible here.