The Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents with the Loss

This phenomenological study highlighted the perceived mental health effects on

school-age children and adolescents because of the COVI-19 pandemic. The people

directly impacted by this problem were the students, with parents and educators being

indirectly impacted. The study examined the perceptions of teachers who witnessed

perceived mental health issues in their students. The guiding theoretical framework used

for this dissertation included the social psychological theories for loneliness and

interdependence. The sample of participants included elementary, middle and high

school teachers who met the requirements for the study. Each teacher selected

participated in an interview, which the researcher transcribed and coded using the

phenomenological approach. The shared experiences from the teachers were to assist

parents, educators and mental health counselors to understand the effects of the

COVID-19 pandemic on students. The results in relation to the research questions

showed that there were perceived prevalent mental health issues associated with the

COVID-19 pandemic and loss of in- person learning. Future practice should include

schools and communities that develop school programs, family support programs and a

system to identify students who are still suffering mental health issues from the

pandemic.