In this episode, Kylie discusses the “pandemic ripple effect” on 4–6-year-olds, exploring why so many children are now presenting with heightened anxiety and separation anxiety as they start school. We unpack emerging research and Australian census data showing declines in social competence and emotional maturity and connect this with the early-life disruptions children experienced during COVID-19 such as fewer peer interactions, disrupted routines, and increased family stress.

Kylie walks through how these factors may have shaped children’s neurobiology and development, and what that looks like in the playroom and classroom today. She then explores how Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) can support this cohort, and shares practical, evidence-informed ideas for working with parents, schools, and families.

This episode is designed to validate what many practitioners, educators, and caregivers are seeing right now, and to spark an ongoing conversation about how we can best support these kids.

References for this Podcast: -

References

1. Australian Government Department of Education. Results of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) were released today. 13 June 2025. Available at: https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/announcements/results-2024-australian-early-developmen… https://www.education.gov.au/early-childhood/announcements/results-2024-australian-early-developmen…
2. Australian Early Development Census. 2024 AEDC National Report. 2025. Available at: https://www.aedc.gov.au/resources/detail/2024-aedc-national-report aedc.gov.au+1
3. Australian Early Development Census. AEDC Key Findings 2024 (Fact Sheet). 2025. Available at: https://www.aedc.gov.au/resources/detail/aedc-key-findings-2024 aedc.gov.au
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Childhood development — “on track” in all five AEDC domains: 2009-2024. 2025. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicato… https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicato…
5. Racine, N., et al. “Changes in Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” JAMA Pediatrics. Vol. 177, No. 6, 2023: 567-581. DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.0846. JAMA Network
6. Ludwig-Walz, H., et al. “Anxiety symptoms and disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents: systematic review & meta-analysis.” European Journal of Psychiatry. 37(4), 2023. DOI:10.1016/j.ejpsy.2023.06.003. King's College London Research Portal+1
7. Orban, E., et al. “Mental health and quality of life in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of longitudinal studies.” Frontiers in Public Health. 2024;11:1275917. DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1275917. Frontiers
8. Alizadeh, S., Shahrousvand, S., Sepandi, M., & Alimohamadi, Y. “Prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Public Health. Published Dec 2023;33:2045-2060. SpringerLink
9. Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH). “Australian Early Development Census: Background, methods & history.” 2025. Available at: https://www.ccch.org.au/our-work/project/australian-early-development-census/ ccch.org.au