Children are said to be developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The charity the Children’s Trust has warned youngsters are experiencing “vivid nightmares”, a potential warning sign of the condition.
Daily headlines of rising death tolls, with more than 468,000 fatalities confirmed worldwide, is also said to be making young people anxious.
Those from deprived backgrounds are suffering most, as the pandemic widens the chasm between those from affluent and deprived areas.
With residents of deprived communities often making up front-line workers – like delivery drivers and social care staff – many youngsters are worried for their parents’ health, particularly if the adults “transfer” their anxieties onto their children.