“Lockdowns and school closures” main risk to kids’ health – not COVID-19, report finds

Liberal Party Victoria

The Andrews Labor Government continues to ignore public health advice on the mental health harms of school closures and ongoing restrictions for children and adolescents.

Research today from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has found “continued lockdowns and school closures” – not COVID-19 – is the “main risk to children and adolescents’ health in this pandemic”.

It’s the second report on COVID-19 and Child and Adolescent Health the “indirect effects on mental health, wellbeing and education” named as putting worsening pressure on our kids.

Daniel Andrews can’t afford to ignore the mounting evidence that school closures, isolation from friends and support networks, and yo-yoing in and out of lockdowns is inflicting significant harm on the mental wellbeing of our youngest Victorians.

Labor has been silent on the Liberals and Nationals proposal to immediately implement reforms that will enable 2000 provisional psychologists to practice in Victoria.

Last week, Labor MPs also blocked critical legislation put forward by the Opposition which would have seen a further 2000 counsellors able to deliver mental health support services in public schools.

As stated by Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy

Every day that school are closed and there is no date set for our kids to return to the classroom is another day closer to tipping point for urgent intervention for many students.

While schools remain closed, demand for mental health support services for our youth continues to soar.

The Andrews Labor Government can immediately unlock 4000 extra mental health workers by adopting the Liberals and Nationals positive plan for more resources where they’re needed.

Labor is ignoring the public health advice, leaving our kids with no hope there’s a way out of this.

/Public Release. View in full here.