Some Bay Area parents may have been reluctant to allow their middle and high school aged children to hang out with friends outside during the pandemic, but some pediatricians say it’s time to drop those rules.
“The CDC has very clearly come out finally with a statement,” said Adam Davis, a pediatrician at SF Bay Pediatrics. “They’ve been very clear that the risk of getting COVID outside, especially with a mask, but at all, is very low.”
So, he said, parents should encourage teens to hangout outside with their friends, especially if they’re still taking class online.
“Developmentally, we know that as you reach those sort of pre-teen years, your peers become a more important resource for your development than your parents,” Davis told KCBS Radio. “And, to spend your days inside your house just with your parents is not developmentally appropriate for that age.”
He said he’s seen a big increase in mental health problems in his patients, including anxiety and depression, and he’s also seen weight gain. Davis noted that if anyone is experiencing that with their teen or pre-teen, they should feel free to reach out to their pediatrician.
“That’s what we’re here for, for helping with these sort of issues and referring them out,” he said.
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