The Effects of Virtual Learning and Quarantine on Students By: Camryn Giessuebel

 

In these uncertain times everyone is just doing what they can to not prolong our quarantine, but although it is necessary virtual learning and quarantine have an abundance of negative effects on students. No one suspected that the new year would bring a global pandemic, or that we would be in a quarantine for more than six months. The quarantine is vital for stopping the spread of coronavirus, but being separated from the world can be extremely damaging to a student. 

For most students, some form of a virtual learning plan has been utilized at their school. From being disconnected from their peers, students, especially younger kids, may end up with stunted social skills. It is crucial for young children to interact with others so they can form their personality, improve conversational skill, etc. Children who lack interaction because of the quarantine may result of a generation that is stunted in social developments. To combat this I suggest the parents should set up virtual play-dates for their elementary/ kindergarten aged children as a substitute of real interaction during quarantine.

One alarming pattern that has emerged from being quarantined is a rise in depression, anxiety, and stress levels. This is especially alarming to pediatrician Dr. S. Anna Husain who believes, “The longer we sort of prolong our children kind of staying out of school or not getting that face to face time, they fall further and further behind.” As a direct result of virtual learning school work piles up fast and students have less opportunities to go to friends for comfort and advice. Students are struggling more than ever to manage a social life, school work, and their mental health. Due to the overbearing issue of coronavirus students feel as if their issues are insignificant. If virtual learning becomes more long term I predict that the number of teens with depression and anxiety will continue to increase and dropout rates will rise.

Quarantine has been tough for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it doesn't have benefits. Many students including myself have used these uncertain times as a chance to work on themselves. With much less judgement from others students feel more free to develop their own personality, style, interests, etc. There are also the obvious benefits such as the reduction of coronavirus cases. 

The coronavirus pandemic’s end still may be unseen, but we get closer everyday as healthcare professionals work relentlessly searching for a cure. As long as everyone does their part and follows safety regulations we will make it through this. A lot of problems caused by our isolation can be solved with a little extra effort. Now more than ever, it is very important to regularly update yourself on the status of the pandemic and keep your head high!