A top pediatrics organization urged schools to strive for in-person classes when students return to school in the fall.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released guidance to help schools and public health officials decide on the best way to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic. The academy noted that schools provide children with developmental tools that extend beyond education, including nutrition, emotional support, and physical therapies. The group said students need to be physically in schools to best obtain these necessary developmental programs.
“The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020,” the academy wrote.
“Lengthy time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in social isolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation,” it added. “This, in turn, places children and adolescents at considerable risk of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Beyond the educational impact and social impact of school closures, there has been substantial impact on food security and physical activity for children and families.”
The organization acknowledged that children rarely suffer severe symptoms of the coronavirus and have not been found to be significant spreaders of the disease, unlike how they are with influenza. The academy noted that there needs to be more research on the topic but said there is evidence that it is “not the case” that children widely spread the virus.
The group also urged schools to pursue an educational plan that works to “mitigate, not eliminate,” the spread of the virus. They advised schools to maintain 6 feet of social distance between adult members of the staff but allow 3 feet of distance between students as long as face coverings are worn.
“Policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within schools must be balanced with the known harms to children, adolescents, families, and the community by keeping children at home,” the group wrote.
President Trump has been adamant that schools allow students to return in-person in the fall. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has also been hesitant to advise schools to remain closed because of the negative consequences for students. Some universities, however, have already decided not to reopen for the next semester. Most states have not yet made a decision for the school year.
