Every Child Matters

Back to School!

A terrifying prospect for our children and parents?

Mother, should I trust the government?

With schools opening, what does the future hold? Many of our children are loving our current lifestyle! They are happier than ever before and “back to school” might mean the start of another terrifying ordeal.

I have been a Paediatrician since the last millennium. A vanishing tribe of Paediatricians who look after kids from infancy till they turn adults. As the world woke up to a New Millennium; I was already in our Special Care Baby Unit looking after a premature baby. And needless to say, I am looking after the Gen Z and Gen alpha today. Generation Z (aka Gen Z, or centennials), refers to the generation that was born between 1996–2010, following millennials. If you have a child born 2010 or later, that is a Generation Alpha.

But here is where it gets interesting. The acute problems of old, such as Pneumonia and Meningitis have been largely replaced by more chronic problems such as allergy and anxiety. Phobias and depression are on the rise and for young children, this can present variably from tummy aches to headaches, from insomnia to school refusal.

The lockdown has changed overnight how most doctors work. Video consultations have replaced face to face consultations. Sick children presenting to hospitals have dropped dramatically and thankfully COVID-19 has spared most children; besides an unfortunate rare complication!

A reassuring Trend?

On video consultations, I have noted a reassuring trend, with most of my teenage patients looking surprisingly happier! The ones with migraines have had fewer episodes. Children with allergies have been more comfortable in their home environment. No more checking food labels, sitting at a special table, feeling different and carrying your own food for a party. Some of my patients are “shielding” ( have underlying health issues which put them at high risk for a severe infection and are naturally safer at home).

Those with sleeping problems have altered their sleep pattern by getting up later. Teenagers often have “delayed sleep phase syndrome” whereby their sleep cycle gets set back; so, they just can’t get to sleep till much later and often don’t wake up till midday. Others simply go into hibernation and seem to need endless sleep; thus struggling to wake up in time for school. But now, they are in full control of their schedule!

Social anxiety is an intense fear that affects everyday activities, self-confidence and school life. Some children dread having to talk in front of the whole class, but now they can now choose who they want to collaborate with for their school projects and are finally getting their work done!

Children with constipation and bladder issues have been able to access their (cleaner) toilets at home more often. By overcoming some of their psychological barriers, we have been able to reduce their medications. Many parents have planned routines of their children with autism which are working perfectly.

Children are eating healthier meals too as culinarily challenged parents like me are taking a leaf out of Masterchef. And surprisingly most kids are catching up on physical exercise; alternating between exercise videos on TV and a family walk (allowed by the Government; maintaining the rules of social distancing). Never before have some children adjusted so well!

And none of that bullying in school corridors; or exposure to ice and spice (Illicit drugs) on way to school!

So what happens when it all goes back to normal?

Or has life been reset for many of us and will the previous chaos of everyday life still be enjoyable when “normal” restarts? Or do schools need to change radically just as medicine has evolved overnight? From being rigid structures where education is enforced and discipline is imposed to organisations which simply support a child’s journey. Would more parents choose homeschooling? I don’t know.

My son goes to school twice a week ( a benefit of being an NHS key worker’s child ) and I see many positives in that. But I have seen my daughter blossom as she spends more time with her family whilst still talking to her friends in her online school routine. Simpler routines mean children are more honest and open and are enjoying a new way of life. With less external pressure of sports, achievements, looks and “likes” on social media!

But children are born to adapt. And prosper and flourish. To live through wars and pull through famines. I hope they will adapt to the New Normal, whatever that is. Or will they?

Will, our Generation alpha take disruption to the next level?

From virtual teachers to virtual doctors where algorithms and AI driven technology puts information in their pockets? Where exams are needless as SIRI / Alexa and Google assistant come out with answers faster than the question can be typed.

And with good reason too? Where a diagnostic pathway for Autistic Spectrum disorders may take up to 18 months in the NHS; what if an AI based algorithm could do this in a day? And rule out all subjectivity in the process; as many of our Gen alpha kids would rather answer an iPad than interact with a stranger. Many of my teenage patients have already looked up their symptoms online. After all, doctors do make mistakes!

I think my role as a Paediatrician will change. Not one who just makes a rapid diagnosis, but more of a guide for my patients and their families to traverse the uncertainties of the medical world. But I hope teachers continue to be the “Medium” and continue to inspires generations, regardless of their ability, aptitude or personality.

And just as we move into the era of precision medicine, education is personalised to bring out the very best in every student so that “Every Child Matters.” Schools I hope, continue to be the sanctum where children embrace diversity and respect different cultures thus becoming better humans and better citizens of the world. When they become leaders, they take the right decision for the generations that follow.

How can we Improve the Experience for School Children?

• There are no right or wrong decisions about going back to school. Children are probably as confused as us; perhaps even more so! If you choose to keep your kids home, that is perfectly fine. Otherwise go with the flow. Children are far less likely to have a severe infection or catch it from other kids!
• Work on the routine. Bedtimes are certainly not quite they used to be. The pace of life in our household with snippets of youtube in between school work and tik tok routines when bored isn’t going to work!
• Be prepared for disappointments. Its possible the first few days of school wont go to plan! But talk to your kids and keep encouraging them!
• The practical bits. Should children wear a mask to school? Should they have a packed lunch? Will they safely social distance? Can they play? Will the equipment be clean? All very realistic questions. Many of these answers will vary according to the school your child attends!
• Safeguarding Implications? What about children who are in care? As Paediatricians, we worry whether the incidence of children suffering emotional or physical harm is increasing and there is no one to listen!

We, who are in healthcare, try our very best to protect ourselves and the people we look after. Some wear masks; others choose not too. There are situations, where its difficult to stay 2m away from the next person. However, I am glad in some ways, hospital life is getting back to normal!

I have restarted my face to face consultations. For me, there is a certain charm in interacting with my patients that gets lost in the virtual world. Where I get to know them as a person and not a diagnosis. Where we can chat about their friends and hobbies and not just their treatments.

Where I am a real doctor and not just another doctor in your pocket! For a quick glimpse of how healthcare will change in the future, please have a read!