Time to open schools
It is well past time to open up schools. As a student and temporary carer of younger cousins, I find myself disappointed with the country's Covid restriction priorities. The country has gradually opened up after almost four weeks of partial lockdown; the government has lifted restrictions for a number of businesses and services, like traditional massage shops. It's unfortunate that schools are almost the last group to reopen.
I believe that Thailand should follow the example of other countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom and prioritise the reopening of schools for the benefit of not only students' education, mental and physical health but also for the benefit of struggling parents and guardians who have to juggle keeping their jobs and looking after their children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that children and adolescents represent only about 8% of reported cases, yet comprise 29% of the global population. Children are both less likely to contract Covid-19 as well as being less contagious when infected. Scientific consensus is emerging that in areas with low case counts, keeping schools closed is more harmful to society than allowing them to open. It is illogical to allow the reopening of high-risk places such as restaurants, bowling alleys, fitness centers, and Thai traditional massage shops while schools remain shut down.
Besides the decreased risk of transmission, the detrimental effects of school closures on students' mental and physical health further emphasise the need to prioritise children's education. The WHO explains that "school absence affects equity, education, child health, and development".
Marginalised children are especially hard hit, as they are less likely to return to school if they have been out for an extended period of time. Information from WHO also shows that being out of school increases the risk of teenage pregnancy, sexual exploitation, violence, and other threats. Not to mention equity issues: not all students have access to a computer, internet, and a quiet space suitable for online learning. During a lockdown, screen usage among young children whose parents are too busy to supervise or provide alternative sources of engagement can also increase to an unhealthy level and will be difficult to reverse.
Children are not the only ones greatly impacted by school closures. Even though many businesses are allowed to reopen, parents may be unable to work as they have to stay home to look after their children. I have witnessed this first hand as I have helped care for my cousin whose working parents needed child care after his preschool shut down. My cousins are lucky to have a support system that they can fall back on. Many are not so fortunate.
While the safety and health of everyone is important, I ask that decision-makers take into account the physical and mental well-being of children like my cousins and I. Please prioritise our education over adults' entertainment. We should not be disproportionately punished for the irresponsible and/or illegal actions of a few adults who party, gamble, or exploit migrant labour.
If it is safe to open up indoor entertainment venues, it is safe to open up schools.