The latest of series of weekly reports on the crisis by polling agency Island Global Research has shown that 33% of Crown Dependencies’ residents with children aged under 16 were ‘very concerned’ about the issue.
A further 39% reported that they were ‘somewhat concerned’, with the virus forcing the closure of schools across the three islands.
Those with older children tended to be more concerned than those with younger children, the report says.
‘Concerns related to both academic and social skills. Some were concerned about exams. A few with older children commented on the adverse impact of Covid-19 on post-education employment opportunities,’ the report said.
The survey also indicated disruption to the working lives of many parents and guardians as a result of having children at home.
A total of 53% of respondents with children reported that their work had been affected, with 22% claiming they were less productive and 6% saying they were unable to work at all.
Support offered by teachers and schools was appreciated, with 93% of respondents
saying they had been able to access online resources recommended by their school or college.
‘Many comments noted the challenge of providing support alongside work and other demands.
‘The experience described depended on
the child’s age, their motivation, the home-learning environment and challenges in managing competing demands,’ the report says.
The survey was undertaken in the week commencing 27 April and was completed by 1,684 residents in the Crown Dependencies, 582 in Jersey, 685 in Guernsey and 427 in the Isle of Man.
More details can be found at islandglobalresearch.com.
