COVID-19 Pandemic: Child Protection at Higher Risk

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased risks for vulnerable children in India. Poverty, school dropout, violence, and exploitation have intensified, putting child protection systems under severe pressure.

A global crisis with severe local consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives across the world. Economic and social disruption has been devastating: millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, and global malnutrition is rising.

In India, after a temporary decline in cases in late 2020, infections surged again in March 2021. Hospitals were overwhelmed, oxygen supplies ran short, and access to treatment became extremely difficult. The crisis particularly impacted lower- and middle-income families.

Impact on children’s psycho-social well-being

Extended confinement and isolation affected children’s mental health, social skills, and emotional stability. Many experienced stress, anxiety, and disruption in their cognitive development.

Children with internet access spent long hours online, while those without access faced isolation and disengagement. Increased exposure to digital platforms also raised risks of inappropriate content and online harm.

Education deeply disrupted

The closure of schools and universities forced a shift to online learning, which was not accessible to many families. Before the pandemic, only one in four children in India had access to digital devices and internet connectivity.

• 1.5 million schools closed in 2020
• 247 million children affected by school closures
• Millions of children were already out of school before COVID-19
• Girls are at higher risk of dropping out permanently

In many cases, prolonged absence from school reduces the likelihood of children returning to education. Some have moved back to rural areas and begun working to support their families.

Child protection under serious threat

The pandemic has intensified risks of child labour, child marriage, violence, and exploitation. Children who lost parents or whose families faced economic hardship became especially vulnerable to trafficking and abuse.

Thousands of children were orphaned or abandoned during the crisis, and many lacked safe alternatives or family support systems.

Impact on child care institutions

Child care institutions provide safe environments for vulnerable children, yet the lockdown disrupted their operations. Supply chains, staffing, and financial stability were severely affected.

Many organizations struggled with remote work due to limited digital resources and skills. Staff often lived on-site for extended periods, increasing stress and workload.

A call to protect vulnerable children

The pandemic has left lasting scars on families and children. Many lost loved ones, livelihoods, and access to education. Organizations working in child protection continue to respond despite immense challenges.

TARA has also been deeply affected, but with the support of donors and partners, we continue to protect children and ensure their well-being. Your support is essential to sustain these efforts and help children build a safer future.