The Covid-19 Inquiry has revealed that some children endured severe harm from their caregivers during the lockdown period.
Baroness Heather Hallett, the Chairwoman, expressed concerns over the significant impact of the pandemic on children and young individuals.
Baroness Hallett highlighted that children faced challenges such as missing out on education, social interactions, and in severe cases, being deprived of protection from abuse, due to the lockdown measures that led to school closures.
The inquiry’s first day emphasized how the lockdowns disrupted the fundamental aspects of childhood, leaving youngsters vulnerable to online risks like exposure to violent content and excessive gaming.
Clair Dobbin KC, representing the inquiry, underlined the essential role of schools in safeguarding children, stating that the closure of schools during the pandemic brought to light the challenges faced by children in unsafe environments.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson are scheduled to provide testimony later in the inquiry proceedings.
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