Opening schools is a health priority

Sir, – General practice is seeing at first hand the impact of school closures on children and their families.

From disturbed sleep, to loneliness, low mood, anxiety and eating disorders in children and adolescents, the impact of school closures cannot be overstated. The impact is more profound on children who are already disadvantaged.

School not only provides an educational role but is vital for children’s social and psychological development.

Schools should be opened as a matter of urgency to protect the most disadvantaged and as an investment in our future generations. – Yours, etc,

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Dr BRIAN OSBORNE,

Assistant Medical Director,

Irish College

of General Practitioners,

Dublin 2.