The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Health: A Case Study in Japan

Abstract

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on child and parent health and the institutes’ support for children with difficulties during the pandemic in Japan. Two surveys were implemented from October to November 2020. The “Parents and Children” survey included questions about demographic and household characteristics, the impact of COVID-19 on work and daily life, applications for financial support, relations with children and partners, and health conditions. The final sample comprised 2,582 parents with a child aged 0–18 and 1,032 children aged 9–18. The “Institutions” survey included questions about the impact of COVID-19 on services and cooperation with other related institutions. The final sample comprised 2,298 institutions responsible for education or healthcare services. The response rate was relatively high compared with similar surveys: 53.0% for maternal and child health divisions and 56.5% for child consultation centers. The parents’ and children’s survey revealed that around 90% of children felt stressed during the pandemic. The institutions’ survey revealed that child consultation centers received a greater number of inquiries about children’s sexual behavior problems and game addiction. A preventive social work approach is required to give a greater level of support to all children, even in unusual situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.