The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for daily life, but one group has been largely overlooked: preschool children. A recent study by researchers at UC Merced sheds light on the profound disruptions these young learners faced, revealing alarming insights into their cognitive and social development.
Before the pandemic, 80% of 5-year-olds passed false-belief tests, a key cognitive skill that enables children to recognize others’ beliefs. However, after lockdowns ended, this success rate dropped to 63%. For children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the decline was even more significant – only 51% passed, equivalent to random guessing.
The researchers designed simple yet clever tests involving puppets and toys to assess false-belief understanding. The study included 94 children in two groups: one tested before the pandemic (2019-2020) and another after lockdowns ended (2021). The results showed a clear trend: children from lower-income households experienced a notable decline in cognitive abilities, while those from higher-income families showed minimal effects.
The study’s findings raise important questions about the long-term implications for these children. Will they catch up as they grow older, or will the gaps widen over time? The answers remain unclear, but the persistence of these deficits highlights the need for continued research and intervention.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing disparities in early childhood development. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds already face numerous challenges, and the pandemic appears to have exacerbated these inequities. By identifying specific areas where these children are falling behind, researchers and policymakers can explore targeted strategies to support their growth and development.
As society continues to rebuild after the pandemic, it is essential to prioritize the needs of preschool children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Early childhood is a critical period for brain development, and disruptions during these formative years can have lasting consequences.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/key-social-skills-in-young-children-declined-after-the-pandemic