CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic not only threatened the physical health of the population, but also the mental health, especially of children. Objective: the objective of this work was to discuss the mental health of children during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to devise strategies that minimize the impact arising from this pandemic scenario. Method: this is an integrative literature review using the Scielo and LILACS databases, in which complete articles were included, published between 2020 and 2023, indexed in Portuguese and English. Results and discussion: 151 articles were found, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 14 were included in the review. The main symptoms related to mental health manifested by children during the pandemic period were depression, anxiety, stress, fear and decreased social interaction. In addition, there was an increase in screen time, which can bring numerous losses. The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted children's mental health. Conclusion: it is necessary to implement coping strategies to minimize the negative effects, such as psychological support, the creation of healthy environments for the practice of physical activities, leisure, welcoming families, in order to promote the health of this public in its broadest.