As schools in Malta begin to fully recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, psychologists are raising concerns about the lasting impact on the mental health and behavioral development of children. Research suggests that the pandemic has exacerbated anxiety, depression, and other issues among young people, particularly those who experienced the most restrictive lockdown measures.
The pandemic, which reached Malta in March 2020, forced schools to close and rapidly transition to remote learning. While schools began to reopen seven months later, they did so with significant safety measures in place, including mask mandates, social distancing, and smaller class sizes. Though the lockdowns in Malta were less severe than in other countries, the isolation and uncertainty felt by many families have left lasting effects.
Developmental Concerns for Children Aged 0-6
Anthea D’Amico, a counselor and lecturer at the University of Malta, highlighted the importance of early childhood development, especially for children aged 0 to 6. “This is a critical period for emotional regulation and social skills,” D’Amico explained. “Children typically learn through activities such as playing outside, interacting with others, and engaging in arts and crafts. However, during the pandemic, these opportunities were severely limited.”
The disruption to these vital developmental experiences, combined with societal stressors such as health concerns and financial hardships, left many children struggling with emotional regulation. “Children couldn’t rely on adults to provide the sense of safety they normally would, because the adults themselves were dysregulated,” D’Amico noted, adding that the long-term impact of these disruptions is still being studied.
Rising Rates of Anxiety and Depression
Other mental health professionals have noted a significant increase in cases of anxiety and depression among children. Stephanie Borg Bartolo, a psychologist, pointed out that while it is challenging to directly link the pandemic to specific mental health issues, there is a clear correlation. “Young children didn’t understand why they had to wear masks or why adults were so concerned with hygiene, which caused frustration and stress,” Borg Bartolo said. “When children are overwhelmed, they act out.”
Children with learning difficulties, who previously benefited from the structure and routine of school, were particularly affected. The absence of in-person interactions, combined with the ongoing mask mandates, made it especially challenging for these children to process social cues.
Borg Bartolo shared personal insight, noting how her own children, one born before the pandemic and one during, experienced changes in behavior. “My oldest son, who was once eager to interact with other children at the playground, became very hesitant as restrictions were lifted. It wasn’t his personality—it was a learned behavior from the pandemic.”
The Impact of Technology on Learning and Social Skills
Both D’Amico and Borg Bartolo highlighted the increased reliance on technology for learning during the pandemic. “Children should not be exposed to screen time to the extent they were, but the shift to online learning left us with no other choice,” D’Amico said. The rise in screen time has led to challenges in regulating children’s technology use, with some children struggling to disengage from screens once restrictions eased.
“Screen time can be addictive, and when you suddenly try to remove it, children can become confused and resistant,” Borg Bartolo added.
To address the trauma caused by the pandemic, D’Amico emphasized the importance of tailored treatment. “Every child is unique, and it helps to work through the timeline of the trauma, focusing on how they can change the narrative from negative to positive.” She suggested encouraging children to engage in activities outside of the digital realm and noted that occupational therapy could help them regain their connection with the world around them.
Borg Bartolo’s approach varies depending on the child’s age, opting for play therapy with younger children. “For example, I might create a story with animals in a sand pit, where one animal is scared to return to the circus. This allows the child to process fear without feeling directly threatened.”
Long-Term Effects and Behavioral Struggles
A learning support educator working with primary school children in Malta reported seeing these issues firsthand. “Many children struggle with sharing, taking turns, and group play. There is also noticeable separation anxiety, as many children spent much of the pandemic in close contact with their parents and grandparents,” she said. Additionally, short attention spans and difficulty managing conflict have become increasingly common.
As Malta continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, experts stress the importance of continued support for children’s mental health and well-being. While many children are resilient, the full impact of the pandemic on their development is still unfolding.
