Researchers at Gratia Christian College on Wednesday said online learning during the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of schoolchildren, adding that parents and the education sector should provide more support.

The college and Junior Chamber International Apex found that 20 percent of 1,500 schoolchildren surveyed had been more stressed than usual, while 10 percent suffered from depression or anxiety.

One of the researchers, Chin Fung, said students’ mental health is closely linked to their learning environment.

“When we use online study, it’s a kind of virtual study that is difficult to follow up. You will lose interest, especially if your house environment is not a very proper environment. It will affect your motivation and cause you to suffer a lot because you have nowhere to go, and that will also affect your mental health, social development and emotional development,” he said.

Chin urged parents to provide more emotional support to their children, such as helping them set goals and establish positive thinking.

The researchers also called on the government to put more resources into promoting children's emotional well-being.