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 • Teacher shortages: Returning to on-site learning across Australia in 2022, particularly in rural and remote areas in NSW, led to challenges with teaching shortages.178 While teaching shortages were a concern before the pandemic, reporting indicates that stresses caused by the pandemic exacerbated this with teachers leaving the profession due to stress and workload concerns. This resulted in some schools resorting back to remote learning, combining classes or sharing teachers between classes. This creates greater disparity in learning outcomes for some students. Article 30: Right to culture and language • Language and cultural barriers restricting health and education: A report by the AHRC reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children from CALD backgrounds, especially those with English as a second language and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, found it difficult to learn from home and access telehealth supports as language and cultural barriers created challenges.179 There was also fear of stigma and traumatisation associated with accessing services that were not culturally competent.180 Article 31: Right to rest, leisure and play • Lack of social connectedness: In the National Mental Health Survey conducted by AHRC, children aged 9–17 indicated that the lack of social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of lockdowns and school closures was a key concern.181 Children expressed loneliness and stress from being unable to play with friends and engage in recreational activities or sports that would usually occur during school.182 School was often described as the main way to connect with friends. When children were asked if they were happy to return to school in 2022, the most common response was that they were excited to see their friends in person.183 For many children, this meant falling outside of the Australian physical activities and exercise guidelines for 5 to 17-year-olds.184 Safeguarding Children: Using a child rights impact assessment to improve our laws and policies | 75