A new article published by the North Carolina Medical Journal highlights the multiple negative impacts on children of school closures.

The January 2021 article is titled “Impact of COVID-19-related School Closures on the Drivers of Child Health.”

As the title suggests, the article highlights school closures have increased food insecurity, have resulted in increased obesity due to lack of physical activity, a decrease in academic achievement, and the deteriorating mental health of children.

"Based on existing evidence, school building closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic will have long-lasting, significant educational and health impacts on the children of North Carolina, with the largest impact likely being among low-income and marginalized children,” the report says in its conclusion.