A 17-year-old A-level student, Matthew Mackell, was discovered lifeless in Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on May 7. The boy's older brother, Chris Mackell, says that his younger brother left behind his notebook, which contained his writing on how he felt about the coronavirus lockdown and his worries about his academics.
Police and paramedics attended to the boy upon locating him but, unfortunately, was pronounced dead at the scene. Furthermore, officials did not treat his case as suspicious.
The boy's family has urged students to speak up about the pressures and anxieties they have regarding the current lockdown and their education.
Chris recounts how his brother wrote dark things in his notebook and wasn't entirely pleasant to read. He says he wasn't at all aware of the anxieties and worries his brother had.
According to Chris, his brother was doing pretty well in school and that Matthew's friends said he was even considered as the brightest student in their entire year. He shared how his brother spent most of his time studying, even during break periods at school, which showed how truly dedicated he was to his education.
Chris said he thinks his brother enjoyed school and was quite proud of his standing in school. Since he was doing so well, Chris said he didn't know his brother would worry much about academics.
Chis stresses to others that if anyone in school is worried about the lockdown, they shouldn't be because it is just temporary and that there is a lot of time to make up for the time they've lost.
He adds that people shouldn't consider it as the end and that they should seek help and advise if they feel strongly about the effects of the lockdown. He disclosed that having to go and talk to someone was one of Matthew's fears.
He said that his brother felt like coming to someone about his problems would just be him bothering them, or adding to their problems. Chris wanted to make sure young people knew that it definitely isn't a bother and is extremely important to talk to someone if you feel down about something.
A fundraising page was put up to cover Matthew's funeral costs. The page has so far raised more than £7,300, which will also be used to plant a memorial tree in Dunorlan Park in his memory.
Police sealed off the area in Dunorlan Park, where Matthew's body was found while an investigation was carried out. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council urged park goers not to do their daily exercise in the usually busy park. Floral tributes for Matthew could be seen all through the park.
Psychological Effect of Lockdowns on Students
According to Relief Web, about one in four children living under COVID-19 lockdown conditions, school closures, and social restrictions are dealing with feelings of anxiety, psychological distress, and sometimes even depression.
In a recent survey conducted by Save the Children, over 6,000 children and parents in the US, UK, Spain, Germany, and Finland, up to 65 percent of the children dealt with boredom and feelings of isolation.
Research reveals that feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and fear of being socially excluded, or separated from loved ones are common in any epidemic. On the other hand, prolonged stress, social isolation, boredom, as well as a lack of outdoor play can lead to a higher number of mental health problems in children.
Janti Soeripto, the President and CEO of Save the Children, says that it is critical to listen to children and support them during this crisis. Soeripto says that they are particularly concerned about the most vulnerable children who might not have access to the necessities needed in a lockdown due to financial constraints. Additionally, they also think about those children who have no means to take advantage of online learning, especially those living in abusive home environments.
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