NJ Sees Uptick In Calls About Kids Mental Health Due To Pandemic
Alexis Tarrazi | Patch.com
NEW JERSEY — "It is OK, not to be OK," Governor Phil Murphy stressed on Wednesday as he reported the state is receiving an uptick in calls from New Jersey parents concerned about mental health issues in their children associated with the COVID pandemic and returning to school.
"We know that numerous children and families continue to live under tremendous stress caused by the past 19 months," said Murphy during a news conference.
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families has reported seeing a recent increase in the number of calls to the children's system of care hotline.
"These calls are covering a whole host of mental health issues and triggers but unsurprisingly many of these calls are coming early in the morning from parents concerned about signs of stress their kids are exhibiting as they prepare for their school day," said Murphy.
Comparing the call volume for the first few weeks in September 2021 to the same time period in 2020 there has been a 30 percent increase, according to Commissioner of NJ Department of Children and Families Christine Norbut Beyer.
"We are seeing more calls in the morning for an increase in school refusal or avoidant behavior," said Beyer.
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As in-person learning resumes in NJ schools, more kids seek counseling. How to get help
Scott Fallon | NorthJersey.com
Many children in New Jersey are struggling to readjust to normal school routines and are feeling increased stress and anxiety a month into the academic year based on the number of calls by parents seeking help, a state commissioner said Wednesday.
Calls to the Department of Children and Families are up 30% in September compared to last year, with many parents reporting that their children refuse to go to school or are isolating themselves.
"The transition for children back to pre-COVID routines is not necessarily quick or easy," said Christine Norbut Beyer, the agency's commissioner.
The vast majority of students have been required to attend full-day, in-person school beginning this month — a stark contrast to last year when the vast majority of schools operated on a hybrid schedule or provided full remote instruction. Many students had not stepped into a classroom since March 2020.
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