Appendix 3 | Applying the CRIA tool to COVID-19 pandemic policy and legislation relating to the closure of schools and early childhood education and care in Australia Question 10: What are the negative impacts of the policy/legislation on the rights of children? Provide evidence-based detail of the impacts described in question 2. Consider how these impacts may directly or indirectly restrict the rights of children. If the right is absolute, provide detail about measures or safeguards in the policy/legislation that ensure the right is not limited. Research commissioned by the Australian Government in 2020 predicted the potential effects of remote learning as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.150 The research identified that nearly half (46%) of Australian children and young people were at risk of adverse effects on their educational outcomes, nutrition, physical movement, social, and emotional wellbeing by being physically disconnected from school. Information and material published during the pandemic described negative impacts of ECEC and school closures on the following rights: Article 2: Right to non-discrimination • Exacerbation of the digital divide: A common concern raised in research is the unequal impacts felt by children and young people across Australia by virtue of access to digital technologies for education and health services.151 These specific impacts are discussed in detail in question 11. Article 6: Right to life, survival and development • Behavioural issues for children under 5 years: The Centre for Community Child Health suggests that the COVID-19 public health measures and their impact on family dynamics led to many negative issues for children aged 0–5 years, including worsening behaviour and mood; increased clinginess, anxiety and levels of stress; increased hyperactivity and inattention; increased abuse and neglect; decreased physical activity and increased screen time; and possible disruptions to the length and quality of sleep.152 Article 19: Right to protection from violence, abuse and neglect 72 | • Reduced ability to report safety concerns: Child abuse or neglect is often reported by schools and ECEC centres. They are the second highest reporters after the police.153 The closure of schools and ECEC limits reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.154 • Reduced ability to refer to other support services: School personnel being less able to adequately assess risks faced by children and refer them and their families to other support services.