Parents’ perception regarding the effects of online classes on children's (3-5) behavior amid Covid-19

Abstract

Pre-school children are affected the most due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Due to school closure, children were suffering from learning loss. To mitigate the learning loss of children, online classes started as one of the most popular and affordable means to continue studies (Khan et al., 2021). Are children making new friends, learning to socialize, or exhibiting any behavioral changes due to online classes? These are a few matters which need further exploration. The purpose of this research was to learn, understand and explore parents' perception regarding the effects of online classes on children's (3 - 5) behavior amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is a qualitative study conducted on 12 parents. The data has been collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion over phone calls and zoom (online platform) with the parents. The study revealed, though parents and children face challenges regarding online classes during the COVID-19 lockdown, parents still appreciate the initiative taken by schools to recover the learning loss of children. Most parents perceive that their children showed behavioral changes like boredom, lack of sleep, inattentiveness, anxiety, loneliness, agitation, clinginess, mood swing, etc., compared with the period before the quarantine. And they believe online classes play a significant role in it. Most parents talked about screen dependency and gadget addiction due to extended screen time. To alleviate stress and strengthen the bond between parents and children, parents can talk to their children and share age-appropriate information. In addition, they can provide emotional support to children if they (children) face any distress.