The pandemic has disrupted our daily lives like never before and coping with the myriad stresses of the coronavirus pandemic has become a pressing issue globally. We as adults feel or presume that it is only us who are adversely affected and that the youngsters are relatively safe. But that is far from the truth (“After a long stay at home, getting kids back to school can be tough,” Aug. 19, Gulf Today).

Reports in the media highlight a UN report which states that since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 70 per cent of students have been shut out of schools, universities and training centres. That being the case we can only imagine the impact the pandemic has had on young people.

The scholastic year is set to begin in the UAE shortly, raising concerns and fears in the minds of the parents and students alike. And that is understandable. In light of that I appreciate the efforts made by the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah in emphasising the crucial role of parents in preparing children, both emotionally and physically, as they head back to school.

The new health stipulations in place are bound to create unease among students, especially among students in the primary divisions. But let that not be an obstacle. All it takes is a collective effort from all players, which includes parents, the teaching faculty and the community as a whole to overcome that hurdle.

These are unusual times that ask for unusual effort. Time to double up as our children’s future is at stake.

Smeeta Venugopal — By email