Insights into children’s behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives from parents during quarantine in Serbia

Abstract

The research aimed to examine parental perceptions of children?s reactions and behavioral changes related to the corona virus and the measures implemented to curb the pandemic. Due to the shutdown of educational institutions, the introduction of social distancing, and curfews, children spent most of their time within the family unit, with limited opportunities for socialization and playing with peers. Numerous studies have shown that quarantine measures can have serious psychological consequences on children and young people. In our study, 89 parents of children aged 3 to 11 years (M=6.79; SD=2.49; 58% girls) responded to three open-ended questions regarding observed behavioral changes in their children associated with the fear of the corona virus and quarantine measures. The research was conducted online during the state of emergency in Serbia. Using qualitative content analysis, 267 parental responses were analyzed, from which 28 categories were identified. Half of the parents noticed a fear of COVID-19 in their children, while the majority reported various changes related to quarantine measures. The most frequently mentioned were fear of going outside, asking questions about the virus, and the emergence of new behaviors. Parents observed reactions such as nervousness, intensified anger, sadness, anxiety, and difficulties in concentration and establishing routines. The results of this study provide important insights into children?s functioning in a specific context, highlighting the significance of parental and school practices in situations of uncertainty and crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.