Doctors stress importance of COVID-19 measures as students head back to classrooms

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The American Academy of Pediatrics said there have been 2.8 million children COVID-19 cases to date, representing 12.8% of all cases in the country.

Atrium Health told our education reporter Elsa Gillis that the number of child cases is higher than they originally expected, so safety measures have to be in place when kids return to the classroom.

In a little over a week, students with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School district are slated to return to in-person learning. As schools prepare for students to walk through the doors, doctors are stressing the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.

On a Zoom call Friday morning, doctors said while children with COVID-19 haven’t been as ill as adults, health officials are identifying an increasing number of children who have the virus.

“I do remind people that children actually make up a large component of the cases of COVID-19 and the United States and, as we’ve seen through the pandemic, we’ve identified more and more children as we’ve done more testing,” said Dr. Amina Ahmed with Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital.

They also discussed the encouraging studies that show low transmission in schools when masks are worn and students are spread apart but highlighted the concern of how the variants will impact our community.

Atrium Health also shared information about mental health needs.

“The mental health needs for children and adolescents are just as present and prevalent as they’ve always been, if not more,” said Dr. M.M. Naveen with Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte.

They’ve seen an increase in depression and anxiety among young people, especially adolescents.

But at the same time, an 18% decrease -- comparing last January to this year -- in those under 18 years of age being admitted to their psychiatric emergency departments, and a decrease in referrals.

Mass vaccination clinics update

It’s in part, they believe, because people are anxious about coming to the hospital during a pandemic.

“A lot of our referrals especially for younger children do come from the school system,” Naveen said.

[WSOC Special Section: Mental Health Resources]

Naveen encourages parents to stay on top of their children’s mental health, which is something a local mother said she has been doing.

“We talk to them all the time and we make sure they’re doing okay, make sure they feel loved and secure,” parent Maria Valentine said.

In regards to vaccines, the doctors said while children are not approved to get them yet, as of last week officials are offering vaccines to families of children who are medically fragile.

‘Beacon of light’: Hickory Schools employee dies from COVID-19

As pandemic takes toll on students mental health, Union Co. school counselors share guidance

The drastic changes from COVID-19 cases and remote learning may be affecting children’s mental health.

In fact, a nonprofit group said 80% of students have experienced some negative impact to their mental health because of the pandemic.

Channel 9′s Genevieve Curtis spoke with a school counselor in Union County about what parents should be watching for.

“I won’t lie, it’s made my mental health a lot worse than it was,” sophomore Max Falcigno said.

Falcigno is like many students, finding his way through the pandemic. At times, he said he’s lost interest in his passions.

“It’s become harder and harder to draw and paint more than I used to,” he said.

As part of a school club focused on mental health, he’s found a place to share his experiences with other students.

“We are here for parents as a resource,” Union County Early College school counselor Jeslyn McFadden said.

McFadden said she’s seeing more students struggling with stress, anxiety and depression.

“Some kids have jumped on the virtual learning no problem, most kids have struggled,” she said.

McFadden said a lot of it comes from isolation and a loss of structure. And there are new stressors -- some of her students are taking care of siblings.

“They are responsible for two, three, four year olds plus trying to balance school,” she said.

And other students have been touched directly by COVID-19.

“I’ve talked to kids who have lost family members and that’s just difficult,” McFadden said.

The challenges of grieving during COVID-19

She recommends reminding children of all they’ve accomplished.

“Maybe look back and see, how much you’ve grown this year,” McFadden said. “We are going to get through this.”

For Falcigno, talking to a therapist, focusing on a hobby and journaling have made a big difference. And he encourages other students to ask for help.

“I want to let people know it’s good to cry, it’s good to have breakdowns, and at some point you just have to know things will get better,” he said. “People will care and people do care.”

If you notice your child might be struggling, McFadden suggests maintaining a structure and routine. Set aside time each week to check in with your student about how school is going, and have conversations about how they’re feeling.

McFadden wants parents to know school counselors are a resource. They can provide one-on-one counseling and help with referrals.

Parenting during the coronavirus pandemic

Cox Media Group