Pandemic Lockdowns Linked to Decline in Children's Social Skills, Scottish Inquiry Finds
Teachers report increased aggression and reduced empathy among students who missed crucial developmental periods.
Children in Scotland who began secondary school after COVID-19 lockdowns are exhibiting a notable lack of empathy and essential social skills, according to a recent inquiry. Teachers have observed a progressive deterioration in student well-being with each subsequent cohort, describing pupils as being in increased distress and difficulty compared to previous years.
The findings come from the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry's public participation project, 'Let's Be Heard.' The report highlights what it terms "generational harm to children on a scale never witnessed before." Between May 2023 and November 2024, thousands of personal accounts were gathered, with educators detailing a rise in verbal abuse among pupils and increased aggression towards staff, particularly following the second lockdown in January 2021. This surge in behavioral issues is attributed to reduced social interactions during periods of remote learning and fewer opportunities for peer engagement.
Staff across early years, primary, and secondary settings reported a decline in children's interpersonal relationships and social competencies. Observations included decreased maturity levels, frequent squabbles among peers with little capacity for conflict resolution, and a "worrying lack of social skills and consideration for the feelings of others." Approximately 70% of project participants noted an increase in physical abuse and aggression between learners after the second lockdown.
One teacher noted that young people transitioning to high school were "lacking empathy and basic social interaction skills," having missed critical schooling periods. The ongoing impact of the pandemic is expected to continue for years, according to the Scottish Secondary Teachers Association. The Scottish Conservatives called for an "honest reckoning with the decisions the SNP made during Covid." The Scottish Government stated it recognizes the "profound impact" of the pandemic on education and will carefully consider the report's evidence.