Jun 24 (NHK) - A survey in Japan found that three out of four children felt some form of stress due to the coronavirus outbreak, as their schools were closed and they couldn't visit with friends.
A team of experts at the National Center for Child Health and Development carried out an online survey from April to May. It targeted families with children aged 7 to 17. About 8,700 people responded.
In a survey of children, 75 percent said they felt stressed, such as feeling uncomfortable when thinking of the virus or having difficulty concentrating.
Many said they spend more time playing games, using smartphones and watching television. Thirty-one percent said they spent four hours or more a day watching electronic screens.
Many also said their daily life patterns were disturbed, with 61 percent saying their morning wake-up time has changed.
The experts say that because of the outbreak many children were deprived of opportunities not only to study but also for social activities with friends and to engage in sports, which are all important for their growth.
The experts say there is a need to carefully watch over children as the impact may continue in the middle- to long-term.
The team plans to periodically conduct such surveys.
