A survey conducted by the Ministry of Education (Meduca) of 35,374 students revealed that some 800 students admitted having had suicidal thoughts, this after the pandemic.
According to Vadim Moreno, National Deputy Director of Psychoeducational Services, the survey applied in 178 educational centers in the country sought to show the effects that students present in the classroom, as a result of the pandemic, and was applied with the purpose of knowing the socio-emotional state of students studying at the different levels of the Panamanian educational system.
Moreno stressed that one of the impacts left by the pandemic on students was serious, since they were unable to socialize with their classmates and teachers, due to the suspension of face-to-face classes, coupled with uncertainty, stress, and fear of the disease. and, for some, dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The survey showed that 57% of the student population surveyed said they had no emotional affectation; 25% said they had a slight emotional affectation; 16% indicated having a moderate emotional affectation; and 2% expressed having a serious emotional affectation.
The Ministry of Education assured that it develops a series of training aimed at improving the emotional stability, anxiety and apathy that students present in the classroom. It also distributed the “Yes to Life” Guide to students, to guide them in situations in the school environment that endanger the life of a student in class.
