Coronavirus - Children and young people

There is a lot of discussion about Coronavirus at the moment. You’ve probably heard a lot about it in school and on the news. Some of the things you hear may sound scary or confusing. This is the first time something like this has happened to us all so it is natural to feel anxious about it.  Below are some useful information and ideas to help you look after yourself and others.

                                                        

The Coronavirus is new to us all and so it is natural for us to worry, these are completely normal feelings. Reading too much about the virus and getting information from unreliable sources such as social media and certain articles can cause more anxiety. We can reduce these feelings by ensuring that we get accurate information from reliable sources:

• BBC Newsround: There’s a lot of information here about what we know so far about the virus, questions from others about the virus and a step-by-step guide about how we should be washing our hands https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51204456
• Young Minds: Lots of ideas and information if you’re worried about the virus.
  https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus
• YoungScot: Frequently asked questions about the virus, ideas and strategies to support you. https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus
• Children's Commissioner for Wales: Information Hub for Families and Children https://www.childcomwales.org.uk/coronavirus/

 

 Here are some of the things that can help us look after ourselves:

• Reduce the amount of time we spend on social media; too much time on social media can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and we may sometimes come across unreliable and non-factual information.   

 

• Try keeping to a routine/create a new timetable: it is likely that our days will look a little different now. Creating a timetable or making a list of things to do can help us cope and adjust to these changes.  
  
  
  • Timetable ingredients: exercise video (there are plenty of these available for free on the web such Ray Carpenter from Ffit Cymru and Joe Wicks the Bodycoach), reading, arts and crafts activities, listening to music or playing an instrument,  playing games and perhaps most importantly, have fun!  
  • Have you ever done any mindfulness sessions in school? Or would like to have ago? Dotbschools are offering sessions ‘sit in’ every morning:  https://mindfulnessinschools.org/misp-sit-together/

 

• Activity / 3 good things diary:  this is an easy and enjoyable activity to do on your own or as a family. Research suggests that this simple activity can increase our feelings of happiness and support emotional wellbeing. The activity was developed by Martin Seligman who is renowned for initiating and developing research in the field of positive psychology. Watch the video below: