Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are defined as situations that lead to an elevated risk of children and young people experiencing damaging impacts on their health and other social outcomes across the life course. We are witnessing the impact of a significant ACE in the form of COVID-19 which has disrupted the daily lives of children and families around the world with immediate and likely long-term effects. Families are facing increased financial and environmental stress, job losses, food and security, difficulties in accessing healthcare and childcare, isolation, and fear related to personal and relationship safety experiences. Mandated lockdowns heighten risk factors in already vulnerable populations: the incidence of parental mental health, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse increases. Children and young people suffer increased levels of maltreatment and demonstrate heightened levels of negative mental health responses, anxiety, depressed mood and eating disorders, and challenging behaviours.
See our written ACEs Topic Guide
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
