Poll: pandemic has negatively impacted children's academic, social growth

A new poll conducted by High Point University shows that a large majority of North Carolinians believe the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on children, both academically and socially.

The poll found that nearly three-quarters of North Carolina residents think the pandemic has negatively impacted the academic growth of school-age children.

According to a news release, only 12 percent say it has had a positive effect.

A large majority believe the pandemic has made it more difficult for graduating seniors to transition to college or the workforce.

And 76 percent say the social development of school-age kids has been negatively impacted.

Dr. Kirsten Li-Barber is an associate professor of psychology at High Point University.

She says that while remote learning was a necessity during the early stages of the pandemic, it limited opportunities for direct contact between teachers and students. Li-Barber says this lack of social contact causes kids to experience difficulties with their learning and motivation.

The poll was conducted between October 22 and November 4.