The American Academy of Pediatrics and two similar organizations have declared a national emergency in children's mental health caused by the restrictions as a result of Covid-19.
They found between March and October 2020, emergency department visits for mental health emergencies rose by 24% for children ages 5-11 years and 31% for children ages 12-17 years.
For a closer look, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Jeff Bell spoke with Dr. Diane Dooley, Board Certified Pediatrician and Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Chairperson of the California AAP, Chapter 1 Mental Health Commitee and an Associate clinical professor at UCSF.