Children's Diary Webinar: Experiences of Indonesian Children Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic

Writer :

Humas Ditjen Rehabilitasi Sosial

Editor :

Annisa YH

Translator :

Karlina Irsalyana

JAKARTA (25 July 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to enliven the 2021 National Children's Day (HAN) with a series of interesting events. The series of events on Day 5 was filled with Children's Diary Webinar: Experiences of Indonesian Children Facing the Covid-19 Pandemic.

There has been a change in children's lifestyles due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both for children who are already in school and those who are not yet in school. However, regardless of the conditions, parents must ensure the fulfillment of children's rights such as good growth and development, children who are always happy and full of creativity.

Therefore, this event was held to arouse empathy for all Indonesian children and parents, provide knowledge about Covid-19 and build children's optimism in going through the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This webinar was moderated by a Lecturer at the Bandung Social Welfare Polytechnic (Poltekesos), Rini Hartini Winda. In addition, this webinar also presents several competent sources in their fields and speakers for children who are Covid-19 survivors.

Several child survivors of Covid-19 also shared their experiences dealing with Covid-19, ranging from how children feel when exposed, how they feel if their parents are exposed to how they maintain their health to recover from Covid-19.

Maheswara, one of the children's speakers, shared his anxiety when exposed to Covid-19. "The most worrying thing when I got corona was the fear of not getting well. But I tried to take medicine and prayed for a speedy recovery," he recalled.

Unlike Anisa Fitria, a child speaker who feels worried when self-isolating. "The hardest thing is when isoman (self-isolation) can't get together with family," she said.

Another concern was also conveyed by Anisa Tri, a child speaker who was worried about stigma. "I'm worried that this pandemic will last longer, so I won't be able to enjoy my time in high school. I'm also afraid of being stigmatized if we get Covid-19," she said.

Clinical and Family Psychologist, Nurina said that from her point of view as a psychologist, what these children said was natural. "Worry is close to being healthy. Because survival will be stronger and higher, supported by the family," he said.

This Covid-19, continued Rina, made children limited in their social space, worried about losing, feeling bored with online learning, and so on. Parents and the environment need to provide support to children in the form of emotional colors. So the environment must give children a positive emotional color so that they can go through this well without worrying too much.

Consultant of Infectious and Tropical Pediatrics, Nina Dwi Putri, said that currently, Covid-19 has emerged with various variants because the initial virus has developed and adapted. Many children are infected at this time because many adults around them are also exposed.

"To avoid Covid-19, you can fight with great heroes, namely yourself by studying at home, playing at home, and obeying 3M health protocols, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying away from crowds," explained Doctor Nina.

Deputy Program Impact and Policy Save The Children, Tata Sudrajat confirmed Doctor Nina's statement. During the pandemic, children are asked to study at home. Support from Social Workers for children during this pandemic is assistance.

Social Workers can carry out case management to intensively handle children, know the condition of the child's body, relations, and family conditions. From the assessment, it can be planned together between the child and family what the child needs.

In addition, the other main thing is to ask the child's feelings. "Always ask how they feel. Then sort out the information that needs to be conveyed about the pandemic condition. Don't give information that adds to the child's sadness and worries," explained Tata.

The webinar also conveyed the importance of vaccines. "The function of the vaccine is so that the children get immunity from the virus that has been weakened. This virus will make our bodies stronger when exposed and the condition will not be severe," said Doctor Nina.

She also said that currently, the government has made vaccines for children aged 12 years and over. This is a government effort to protect children from exposure to Covid-19.

Clift, a child speaker, also said that adults also have an important role. "It takes adult awareness of health protocols and keeping others safe and healthy," explains Clift.

Children in the Covid-19 Pandemic era are also recorded as strong and great children, because they have to face unusual conditions. Train independence if parents are exposed to Covid-19, improve skills in the field of technology because they have to learn online and are able to train emotions.

This webinar was attended by 550 children and parents from all over Indonesia, as well as related Ministries/Institutions and the Academic Community from various universities in Indonesia virtually.

2021-07-26
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