GUELPH – COVID-19 has thrown families into turmoil, children in front of screens, and is raising concerns at local agencies that there is greater risk for family violence and mental health impacts for all ages, according to a recent study.
Toward Common Ground (TCG) is a partnership of social and health service organizations in Guelph and Wellington County, and it released its fifth Vital Focus report on Dec 17.
This one examined the impact of the pandemic on families and children.
Sarah Haanstra, manager of TCG, said the data comes from a survey done early in the pandemic. In April and May 2020, the Guelph Family Health Study asked 254 families how COVID-19 impacted them.
Of the parents who responded to the survey:
– 87% reported that their children were spending more time on screens;
– 22% of mothers and 18% of fathers reported being worried they would not be able to pay the mortgage, rent or other bills on time over the next six months; and
– 55% said they were eating more meals with children.
“These are not all bad things,” Haanstra said in an interview Dec. 22.
“I think we can counter all the screen time if we can find time for other things as well – reading books, spending time outdoors, cooking and eating together. And quiet time alone can be good too. Quality time can take many shapes.”
Survey results indicate:
– parents have struggled to balance the competing demands of work, remote learning and their children’s needs;
– children socialized less and felt isolated;
– many parents and caregivers experienced depression and anxiety;
– children’s mental health was affected;
– some parents drank more alcohol;
– there was increased risk for family violence due to factors like isolation, lack of privacy, and increase in alcohol use at home; and
– the risk of food insecurity increased due to significant decreases in or loss of income.
Additionally, at the beginning of the pandemic, reports of child abuse and neglect decreased, which can be attributed to decreased contact between children and schools and community programs, which often serve as reporting sources for suspected abuse or neglect.
“The (numbers) that were down were the new calls,” said Sheila Markle, executive director of Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington (FCSGW). “What didn’t change were the cases we already had.”
FCSGW is the child protection agency in this region and Markle said it is concerning that children living in abusive situations became less visible when schools, sports groups and agencies had to stop face-to-face interaction.
She said calls started to increase over the summer “and there was a fairly significant increase in September (when school resumed). It’s almost back to normal.”
What the data tells her is that people who were struggling before the pandemic – with addiction, mental illness, poverty and violence in the home – are having an even tougher time now.
“We are on the lookout for folks who need help,” Markle said. “We really encourage people to reach out. Even though it’s different, online support is available.”
And even though pandemic protocols make it difficult, “our overarching message is that people need to stay connected – with friends, with family, and with services.”
To build resilience in children, Markle said parents can teach their children that the pandemic, while long and difficult, is only a period of time and that things will return to normal.
“Focus on what you can do today,” she said. “We have some control over how we feel and what we do to stay healthy.”
Routines and consistent guidelines help children know what to expect, she said.
“Families need to be intentional on to spend their time.”
Haanstra said the report is geared to decision makers and leaders, “but we hope it will make people feel they are not alone in this,” she said. “There is help available for people who need it.”
She also noted that since the survey, when everything was brand new, “some people have figured out how to make virtual connections and that’s been a help.”
Job situations may be sorted out by now, government support has kicked in, and more is known about the virus.
“Having the vaccine rolling out is very hopeful,” Haanstra said. “Also, people have found ways to look out for each other. People have been generous when they can – both formally and informally – and I think there’s greater appreciation of things we used to take for granted.
“With my own kids, I try to help them be grateful and this will not last forever. But if you’re having difficulty, acknowledge it.
“What is most hopeful for me is that everyone wants to do their best, as professionals and personally.”
Each of the agencies listed below will offer help so don’t be afraid to reach out, officials say. While we do need to stay apart to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, there’s no need to suffer in isolation, they say.
If you or a family you know requires support or assistance, is experiencing difficulty or has concerns about safety, call Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington at 1-800-265-8300.
If you or someone you know requires mental health, addiction or crisis support, call HERE24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.
To access the Women in Crisis shelter or for support and information so you can make your own choices about safety for you and your children, call 1-800-265-7233.
To access a trained volunteer for emotional support, call Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph- Wellington distress line at 1-888-821-3760 or 519-821-3760.
For Walk-In/Virtual Mental Health clinics, call 519-824-2431 or 1-800-307-7078 to make an appointment. No referral required.
Visit growinggreat-generations.ca for a regularly updated list of agencies, services, programs, resources, and events available for families and children in Guelph and Wellington County.
