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editorial
. 2020 Oct 10;228:324–325.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.10.008

Table II.

Prevention, response, and social support services needed during the COVID-19 pandemic

Monitor how restricted movement and lockdowns may exacerbate offline and online forms of violence and advise legislators based on latest data and existing models.
Enforce existing regulations and strengthen law enforcement to help monitor activities and respond to increased online risks.
Allot sufficient resources to bolster, train, and equip core child protection workers qualified to keep children safe throughout the pandemic. Activate center-based supports and home visits for those severely affected or adapt and deliver social services virtually.
Train health, education, and social service workers on the impact that COVID-19 may have on child well-being, including increased online risks. Providing front line mental health/psychosocial support with skills to talk to children about COVID-19 and address their anxiety and insecurity. Identify vulnerable children, including those separated, disabled, or in conflict settings, and those who may have lost parents or primary caregivers to the pandemic.
Raise awareness among government departments of the potential increased online risks to children during the pandemic. Develop a coordinated institutional approach.
Ensure that social service providers, schools, parents, caregivers, and children are aware of local reporting mechanisms, including the support numbers of local helplines and hotlines. In the absence of these services, local helplines and hotlines should be developed to support children in distress. Nationally based Child Helpline should be also developed. Families and carers should be instructed to contact the police when imminent danger is perceived. (Major international reporting networks include INHOPE Hotlines and IWF portals).
Promote educational initiatives on child online safety, to complement efforts to connect children to resources for online learning, socialization, and play. This should include raising awareness about online risks and resources, using media and other communications channels to spread key messages.