Central Texas school districts are scrambling to remain open as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region. | Don Huffines/Facebook
Central Texas school districts are scrambling to remain open as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region. | Don Huffines/Facebook
Central Texas school districts are scrambling to remain open as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the region, according to a KXAN report.
Don Huffines, a gubernatorial candidate running for Texas Senate has condemned these closures, claiming that "Texans must be allowed to resume normal life."
“The effects of lockdowns and isolation on school-age children is terrifying. Schools must not be allowed to close down on a whim because of COVID hysteria," Huffines said. "As governor, I will stop Texas schools from needlessly closing their doors to the detriment of our children.”
Most recently, Marble Falls Independent School District shut its doors on Jan. 14 due to a high number of staff members diagnosed with COVID-19 and a lack of replacements to cover their courses.
According to a UNICEF report, government-mandated lockdowns and school closures have a detrimental effect on children's mental health, increasing fear, stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug misuse, loss of learning and insufficient physical exercise and sleep.
"The use of digital technology during the pandemic provided social connectedness, remote learning opportunities and a way to cope with isolation and stress," UNICEF Innocenti research consultant Manasi Sharma stated in the report.
The research did, however, emphasize some beneficial aspects, such as an increase in family activities.
"Engaging in positive coping strategies, prosocial behaviors and online learning opportunities have been key factors in building children’s resilience during this time, and these need to be highlighted and harnessed through greater investment in mental health promotion and prevention interventions," Sharma continued.
The study also found that children who live in more impacted regions, rural areas or in the epicenters of COVID-19 outbreaks had greater levels of anxiety and symptoms of depression, including anxiety and drug misuse.
Additionally, older children and adolescents reported experiencing anxiety and depression at a larger and more severe incidence.
Huffines also advocates for border security, election integrity and health freedom, as well as pro-life and Second Amendment rights, according to his official campaign website.
He has been married to his wife for 34 years and has five children and four grandchildren.
Alerts Sign-up