Arrested Child Development: A Side Effect of Societal Shutdown

Big feelings, fewer building blocks.

STARTER STATS

• Almost 90% of brain development happens before age five, and shapes lifelong learning and health.

• When children struggle earlier, they are 2-3 times more likely to face academic challenges later in school.

• Access to quality early childhood programs is linked to higher graduation rates and better long-term health.

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Illuminating the Toll the Pandemic Took on Kids

New research from UBC shows that kindergarteners are now arriving at school with more developmental challenges than ever before.

The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early childhood experiences in ways that are now surfacing in classrooms. If left unaddressed, these child development issues could echo for years.

In the study, teachers assessed the developmental health of 33,625 B.C. kindergarten students using a standardized tool that looks at five core areas: social skills, emotional maturity, language, and physical well-being.

Overall, 35.8% of children were vulnerable in at least one area — the highest rate recorded in more than two decades of tracking.

“The early years set the foundation for everything that follows. When a child enters school already behind in key areas, it can have lasting consequences — not just for their education, but for their health and future opportunities."

— Dr. Martin Guhn

Further Child Development Findings

The largest increases were observed in communication skills, social competence, and emotional maturity. These abilities were closely tied to classroom learning and peer relationships.

Even more concerning, thousands of children showed vulnerabilities in multiple areas, a pattern linked to long-term risks for mental health, academic success, and overall well-being.

To reverse the trend, researchers note that strengthening family and community supports will be critical.

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