A new poll conducted by High Point University shows that a large majority of North Carolinians believe the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on children, both academically and socially.
The poll found that nearly three-quarters of North Carolina residents think the pandemic has negatively impacted the academic growth of school-age children.
According to a news release, only 12 percent say it has had a positive effect.
A large majority believe the pandemic has made it more difficult for graduating seniors to transition to college or the workforce.
And 76 percent say the social development of school-age kids has been negatively impacted.
Dr. Kirsten Li-Barber is an associate professor of psychology at High Point University.
She says that while remote learning was a necessity during the early stages of the pandemic, it limited opportunities for direct contact between teachers and students. Li-Barber says this lack of social contact causes kids to experience difficulties with their learning and motivation.
The poll was conducted between October 22 and November 4.