What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected language development and social interactions in young children.

April 25, 2026Brain and Behavior0 citationsOpen Access

Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Child Development and Caregiving: A 7‐Year Repeated Cross‐Sectional Study of 3‐Year‐Old Children in Kobe City, Japan

KSKazuki SuemuneKobe University HYHiroshi YamaguchiKobe University MNMasahiro NishiyamaKobe Children's Hospital

Key Points

This research aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected language development and social interactions in young children.
Conducted a 7-year repeated cross-sectional study
Focused on 3-year-old children in Kobe City, Japan
Analyzed changes in development before and during the pandemic
Identified a decrease in language development among children during the pandemic
Noted reduced social interactions, reflecting limited opportunities for social engagement
Findings suggest significant implications for caregiving practices during COVID-19

Abstract

These findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with changes in language development and social interactions, possibly reflecting decreased opportunities for social engagement outside the family.

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