Section 7: How the pandemic affected children’s mental health and wellbeing (b) Benefits of remote learning The ability to spend more time with family was frequently raised as a benefit by children, especially younger children. In free-text responses, some children identified the benefits of remote learning when compared to school learning. Some children felt that they were more productive and happier when learning from home. Others said that they enjoyed the flexibility gained by remote learning because it allowed them to work at their own pace and do other things they enjoyed during the day, such as bike riding, spending time with pets, wearing what they liked and playing games. Having more time in the mornings to sleep-in was commonly mentioned as a benefit. 72 | Some children preferred remote learning as it reduced their exposure to bullying, social isolation and social anxiety experienced at school. ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 73