Attention span and mental health decrease with the rise of increased anxiety and depression amongst students; these are all ways that COVID-19 has affected school in general.
The attention spans of students during the COVID-19 era have decreased exponentially. A survey in England surveyed 504 teachers, and nearly two-thirds (69-ish%) had noticed an increase in daydreaming and loss of attention. Tiffnie Harris, a primary and data specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, said the findings reflected the challenging behavior school leaders were reporting. “There seems to be a long-term impact of the disruption of the pandemic to normal routines and expectations,” she said. The decrease in the attention spans of students is devastating to the education of students and the jobs of teachers. Even though it would seem that you can never get your attention span back, ways are there. One excellent way is to work out; another is to play brain games and engage in activities. Another way is for the teachers to make their classes more engaging and activity-based. Making classes more engaging helps students maintain attention by stimulating their interest and motivation, leading to better focus and information remembrance.
The mental health of students is necessary for a successful education, and since COVID has lowered it, the students’ education and learning ability have drowned out. During COVID-19, major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) increased 25% and have been increasing since COVID. There is a way to counteract this, however. After COVID, a lot of mental health institutions have been popping up, and mental health awareness has skyrocketed. Even big influencers have been addressing the mental health issue.
In short, mental health and attention span regression are both affected by COVID, but with the help of the community and ourselves, we can counteract these effects and go on to a brighter future.