Online classes may cause feelings of isolation

MANILA, Philippines — With online classes likely to increase students’ feelings of isolation due to lack of face-to-face interaction, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday there are measures which can be taken to prevent this.

According to DOH, while online classes or digital education brings “increased levels of safety” because students are at home and are not exposed to the COVID-19 virus, it could still have an impact on students’ health.

“Students may experience health concerns related to increased screen time such as fatigue, headache, lack of motivation, avoidance/procrastination, among others,” it noted.

But depending on the curriculum and schedule, the agency maintained that online classes may help students practice “effective time management, especially if they are in a modular type of digital learning, as they are studying at their own pace.”

The DOH added that to relieve students who have anxieties associated with the lack of in-person interaction, there are measures that can be undertaken, such as taking breaks in between classes and having time away from the computer.

“Establish a routine wherein there is an academic-personal life balance, which includes being physically active, eating, sleeping. Practice self-care, self-compassion and self-awareness of their thoughts and feelings,” it said.

The agency added that students can be encouraged to speak about these thoughts and feelings to “people who can validate them.”

The DOH underscored that there are online mental health resources that can be utilized if a person needs consultation.