Corona: improved concepts for the protection of children called for

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions for children have fundamentally changed. Schools and daycare centers are closed, social contacts are severely limited, and many parents work from home offices. These new conditions bring new challenges, especially for the protection of children.

The current crisis has shown that the protection system for children in Germany is not sufficiently prepared for the impact of a pandemic. There have been numerous reports of an increase in child abuse and neglect cases since the pandemic began. These developments highlight the urgent need to develop approaches and measures to improve child protection.

An important aspect of this is that the focus should not only be on the direct threat posed by the virus, but also on the indirect consequences of the measures taken to contain the pandemic. Resources need to be made available to provide support for children and families to cope with the new challenges and to give them prospects for the future.

It is the responsibility of policymakers to take the necessary steps to protect children, even in difficult times. This includes working with child protection and family support professionals. Only through a concerted effort and increased awareness of the issue can children be protected, even in pandemic times.

Children in the Corona pandemic: need for better protection approaches

The Corona pandemic poses numerous challenges and stresses for children and adolescents worldwide. School closures and quarantine measures cut them off from their social contacts, education, and recreational activities. Many children have also experienced or been at risk of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. While the pandemic continues, there is an urgent need to develop better approaches to protect children and young people.

An important step is to strengthen child protection systems in all countries. This means that children’s rights and protection from violence, exploitation and neglect must be at the heart of everything we do. There is also a need to promote the participation of children and young people in decision-making and ensure that their needs and opinions are taken into account. Finally, all children should have access to adequate social safety nets, health care and education.

It is also important to develop and implement innovative protection and support measures during the pandemic. For example, digital technologies could be used to maintain contact with children and young people and promote protective measures. Governments, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society should work together to meet the needs of children and adolescents in the pandemic and protect their rights.

• Strengthening child protection systems in all countries
• Participation of children and adolescents in decision-making
• Accessing adequate social safety nets, health care, and education
• Innovative protection and support measures, e.g. through the use of digital technologies
• Collaboration among governments, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society

Effective safeguarding approaches are urgently needed to protect children from COVID-19

The pandemic has turned our lives upside down and presented myriad challenges to society. While most people are suffering from the effects of COVID-19, children are particularly vulnerable. The closure of schools and kindergartens not only affected their educational attainment, but also took a toll on their mental health. Protection policies are urgently needed to ensure that children continue to receive adequate care and education.

An important step in developing protection approaches is collaboration between schools, kindergartens, and health authorities. Concepts should focus on measures such as regular testing, improved hygiene measures, spacing rules, and masking requirements. In addition, parents and guardians must be actively involved in the protection process to ensure that protective measures are followed outside of school grounds.

• Regular training and updates on the latest COVID-19 developments are needed
• Monitoring mechanisms should be implemented to ensure that protective measures are followed and enforced.
• Providing schools and kindergartens with adequate equipment and cleaning supplies is crucial.

The development and implementation of appropriate protection concepts is crucial in order to protect children from COVID-19. It is important that parents, guardians, schools and daycare centers work together to implement effective protective measures. Only with a collaborative approach can we ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

State measures in the context of better child protection during the Corona pandemic

In the current Corona pandemic situation, experts are calling for better approaches to protecting children. State policies should play an important role in this regard. One possibility would be to create emergency care facilities for children in difficult family situations.

Closer cooperation between institutions involved, such as schools, youth welfare offices and health offices, could also make an important contribution. Special training courses with appropriate expertise in child protection and corona prophylaxis should be offered in this context.

Furthermore, government initiatives could be used to provide financial support to families with children. This could help to mitigate the stressful consequences for parents and children and thus also improve child protection.

• Emergency care options for children in difficult family situations
• Closer cooperation between schools, youth welfare offices and health departments
• Specific training for professionals regarding child protection and corona prophylaxis
• Government financial assistance for families with children

Parental responsibility during the Corona pandemic

The Corona pandemic has presented challenges for all of us. Parents with children are particularly affected, as they must now not only balance home office and home schooling, but also bear responsibility for the health and safety of their children. It is important that parents take responsibility during this time and also act as role models for their children.

This includes parents developing approaches to protect their children from corona virus infection. Creativity and flexibility are needed. Whether it is keeping the child busy at home or sending him or her to sports while adhering to hygiene rules, parental responsibility is demonstrated by a determination to do what is best for the child.

• Adhering to hygiene rules
• Create play opportunities at home
• Schedule time for exercise and sports
• Communicate information about the coronavirus in a way that is appropriate for children

However, parental responsibility does not end with ensuring physical health. It is important to pay attention to the mental health of children as well. A change in everyday life and uncertainty about how things will continue can lead to anxiety and stress in children. Parents should therefore listen and help their children to cope with the situation.

In summary, in the current times it is more important than ever that parents take their responsibility seriously and act as role models for their children. Creativity, flexibility and patience are needed to do what is best for the child and protect them from contagion and fear.

How we can help?

The Corona pandemic has turned our lives upside down. The closures of schools and daycare centers have changed the daily lives of families enormously. Many parents face the challenge of balancing work and child care. In this context, it is particularly important that child protection is not neglected.
Innovative and creative solutions are now needed to support parents during this difficult time. One possibility, for example, is to set up mobile childcare units that can be deployed as needed in city districts or even in front of companies. Making working hours more flexible and telecommuting can also help parents better balance family and career.
Last but not least, politicians are also called upon to develop better concepts for child protection during the Corona pandemic. This includes, for example, creating financial incentives for companies that offer more flexible working models. Greater support for family support services is also necessary. This is the only way we can ensure that children are protected and cared for in the best possible way, even during this difficult time.