They were born during confinements: why “Covid babies” present cognitive delay at school according to this study ?

During Covid, parents tried to work from home while looking after their children (illustration). Unsplash – charlesdeluvio

According to a study published in June 2024, children born during the pandemic are more delayed in development than their elders.

A new American study published in June by the New York Times, highlights the consequences caused by repeated confinements, particularly on the ability to adapt of children born during this period. Indeed, according to this information spotted by Slate, "Covid babies" experience cognitive delay.

They therefore struggle, more than other generations at the same age, to hold a pencil, identify shapes and colors, communicate their needs, go to the toilet, manage their emotions and interact with others.

Cognitive delay

Research had already clearly identified difficulties in learning mathematics or reading. But this time, it is based on the cognitive delay that professionals observe in nursery schools.

"We are talking about children of medium and large sizes who throw chairs, bite, hit, without the usual self-regulation& ;quot;, insists Tommy Sheridan, deputy director of the American National Head Start Association.

How to explain this delay ? By the particular nature of these first months of life spent at home. These infants played with too few babies and saw too few adults and their parents too often stressed, during a crucial period for brain formation.

Too much time on screens

The "Covid babies" also spent more time in front of screens than playing with early learning games, while their parents tried to work at home while looking after their children. The screens have therefore weakened their muscles, "because they only swipe", laments Sarrah Hovis, a teacher in Michigan.

Professionals also regret the closures of nurseries, where the first socializations take place. This allows for an easy transition to nursery school. Time that will never be made up for these children, unlike those who were a little older during confinement.