Children born in lockdown show weaker executive function at age 4, study finds
A study from City St. George's, University of London, suggests that children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England exhibit lower executive function at age four. Researchers attribute these findings to the restricted social interactions and developmental disruptions experienced during the children's first year of life.
Why it matters
This research provides critical insight into the long-term developmental impacts of pandemic-era social restrictions on early childhood cognitive growth.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England had lower reported levels of executive function—crucial skills involved in making plans, solving problems and adapting to new situations—suggest findings from a study published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood .
These children had a uniquely disrupted first year, with severely restricted social interaction between March 23, 2020, and July 19, 2021.
Government rules at the time included limiting contact with friends and family, mandated social distancing, wearing face coverings, and closing baby groups and recreational spaces.
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