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Changes in Child and Youth Mental Health Following the Return To In-Person Learning Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
Erika Felix1, Jennifer Greif Green2
1Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology, Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, USA. efelix@ucsb.edu.
Current Psychiatry Reports
|October 7, 2025
Summary
Global research on child and youth mental health post-pandemic school reopening shows varied outcomes. Factors like screen time, social connections, and parental mental health influenced recovery, highlighting the need for ongoing support.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Global Mental Health
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted youth mental health globally.
- Research on mental health changes following the return to in-person schooling is emerging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize global research on child and youth mental health after schools reopened for in-person learning.
- To identify trends and influencing factors in youth mental well-being during this transition.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of global studies.
- Analysis of mental health indicators, risk factors, and protective factors.
- Examination of subgroup differences (age, gender).
Main Results:
- Mental health outcomes varied significantly among children and youth.
- Age and gender appeared to influence mental health trajectories.
- Modifiable factors included homework, screen time, physical activity, social relationships, parental mental health, and discipline.
Conclusions:
- Some youth experienced improved mental health upon returning to school, while others faced persistent challenges.
- Shifts in mental health services necessitate continued monitoring and support strategies.
- Promoting resilience and recovery requires addressing identified risk and protective factors.
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