Pandemic's Toll on Mental Health: Wealthy UK Children Hit Hardest

Wealthier children in the UK experienced a steeper decline in mental health during the pandemic compared to their less well-off counterparts, according to research. The study suggests that the strain of juggling highly paid work with childcare and education during school closures may have contributed to this decline. Surprisingly, the gap between the mental health of the poorest and richest children narrowed during the pandemic, potentially due to social isolation and reduced access to services affecting traditionally advantaged groups. However, a separate report highlights that the poorest families in England will see little direct benefit from the government's expanded childcare entitlements, continuing the neglect of families in the bottom 30% of income distribution.