Pandemic natives, pandemic immigrants: Effects of COVID-19 confinement on the wellbeing of children in preschool education

Abstract

This study explores the behavioural effects of COVID-19 confinement in preschool children (aged 3–5) based on their parents’ perceptions. Now that policy makers in numerous countries are drawing up new policies on teleworking and psychological support systems, the aim of this research was to test how parents’ working situations had affected children’s changes in habits and behaviour and in their enjoyment of remote learning. We have used parametric inferential statistics to interpret data collected on 267 children from seven schools located in Malaga (Spain). Firstly, we analysed the factors that had hampered children’s enjoyment of homeschooling and we then carried out Pearson’s Chi square tests of independence to determine statistically significant correlations with the parents’ work situation. Secondly, we weighed the changes in habits and behaviour that children had experienced during lockdown and whether they were associated with their parents’ work situation. Our data reflect the multiple external factors that have hindered preschool children’s enjoyment of remote learning in a key phase of the individual development.