Combating the Dangers of Sedentary Activity on Child and Adolescent Mental Health During the Time of COVID-19

Although the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, subsequent quarantine, and social distancing on physical activity has been covered extensively, there has been limited focus on the resulting sedentary behavior(1) on existing and emerging psychopathology. This is particularly disconcerting regarding children and adolescents, who rely on the ability to play to meet developmental milestones and who require more exercise than adults. Youth populations have been significantly disrupted by school closures and home confinement and are in developmental periods that overlap with the emergence of serious mental illness. Therefore, it is important to consider the mental health consequences for youths, and also explore ways to combat sedentary activity for this vulnerable population.