BHUBANESWAR: Yet another summer vacation is coming to an end without the usual fun and excitement.
Covid-19 has played spoilsports for the second year in a row.
Though schools have announced summer vacation, children have very little to do at home.
Lack of recreational activities is resulting in behavioural issues among children.
Besides, the prediction that more children may get infected in the third wave has become a major headache for parents.
“Every year we go to a hill station to spend our vacation or at least visit our village for a few days and learn new skills in summer camps.
But due to Covid-19 we are stuck inside our homes for over a year now.
These days mummy is not allowing us to play outside even,” said Varun, a Class VI student.
The rise in Covid cases during the second wave has led to closure of all recreational activities.
This year not many schools have come forward with online summer camps, so children are left with very few options to keep themselves engaged.
“Though a few online sessions are being organised for children, I deliberately did not opt for them as that would have increased their screen time more.
As such they are either watching TV or playing games on mobile phones.
Joining a virtual summer camp will add to their screen time,” said Bandana Senapati, a parent.
Parents also said that the prediction of a third wave, which might affect children more, are causing them sleepless nights.
“In these unprecedented times we don’t know how long children may have to stay at home.
The mental well being of children is very important.
They are getting irritated and losing interest.
And with the threat of a third wave, I am not going to let my child play outside at any cost,” said Trupti Rani Sahu, another parent.