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Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Child behavior during the social distancing in the COVID-19 pandemic
Eny Dórea Paiva1, Luciana Rodrigues da Silva1, Maria Estela Diniz Machado1
1Universidade Federal Fluminense. Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Insights
During COVID-19 social distancing, over half of children aged 6-12 experienced anxiety, impacting sleep and appetite. Parents should encourage emotional expression and provide support to mitigate negative mental and physical health effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread social distancing measures.
- Understanding the impact of these measures on children's daily lives and behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the daily activities of children aged 6-12 during the pandemic.
- To analyze children's behavior, specifically anxiety, during social distancing.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with children in Brazil.
- Data were collected via online forms.
- Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test and odds ratio calculation.
Main Results:
- Data from 530 children were analyzed.
- 52% of children reported anxiety, significantly associated with changes in sleep and appetite.
- 73% of children were in full-time social distancing.
Conclusions:
- Children's anxiety during social distancing is linked to sleep and appetite disturbances.
- Parents and caretakers should foster emotional expression and provide support.
- Emotional support is vital for mitigating negative impacts on children's mental and physical health.
Objective:
To describe the daily activities performed by children from 6 to 12 years of age incomplete and analyze children's behavior during social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study with children in a learning stage living in Brazil. The data were collected via online form. Fisher's exact test was applied to analyze the association of categorical variables with child behavior; when significant, it was used the odds ratio. It was considered results considered statistically significant those presenting values of p < 0.05.
Results:
Data from 530 children were analyzed: 50.3% female, 71.3% from the Southeast Region, 73% in fulltime social distancing, 52% presented anxiety, which was significantly associated with changes in sleep and appetite.
Conclusion:
The results indicate the need for parents/caretakers to stimulate moments for the child to express themselves, not minimizing their feelings and providing emotional support to mitigate the negative impact of these feelings on the child's mental and physical health.
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