COVID-19 and Child in Home Confinement: Psychological Effects of the Outbreak and Ways to Alleviate

With the COVID-19 outbreak seen in Turkey, schools were closed and curfew has been introduced for individuals 20 years of age. Due to the long-term closure of schools and home confinement, their activities in open spaces and adequate communication with the peers of children is limited. These changes are a unique process for children who experience a big change in their lives. In this process, children are likely to experience anxiety, anger, irritability and fear. Among the causes of anxiety and fear experienced are; fear of the death of himself, his family and relatives or what medical treatment means. Various strategies can be used to alleviate emotions such as anger and nervousness that children feel about the changes experienced. This should be explained in a way that children can understand in accordance with their age, be honest, and explain by showing love and care. Parents who are role models for children play a key role in alleviating psychological effects on children. Therefore, accurate and sufficient information should be provided in accordance with children s age and developmental stages and in a way that they understand. In this review, it is aimed to present the psychological effects faced by children under home confinement due to the COVID-19 outbreak and ways to alleviate these effects.