Children/Teens and COVID-19

For information on preparing your child to go back to school, visit our return to school page. 

On this page

• Healthy eating
• Managing stress
• Physical distancing
• Physical activity
• Schools and child care

Healthy eating

Children need to eat a variety of healthy foods every day to get the nutrients needed for proper growth and development. Healthy eating and following the recommendations in Canada’s food guide will help children and teens get the nutrients needed to maintain a strong immune system.

Managing stress

If you are having an emergency, dial 911. If you need crisis support, call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247).

COVID-19 has impacted people’s lives in many ways. Everyone will respond to the COVID-19 pandemic differently. In these times of uncertainty, feelings of concern, anxiety, or stress are normal for both you and your child. It is important to take care of your family’s mental health. It is okay not to be okay.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health During COVID-19

Taking Care of Your Child's Mental Health During COVID-19

Physical distancing

Children and teens can still connect with their friends and family while maintaining physical distancing guidelines. Physical distancing must be maintained between anyone who is not a member of your household.

• Stay connected to friends via video chat or phone calls
• Spend time with members of your household who are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 or independently
• Play board games
• Read books
• Learn a new hobby
• Cook healthy meals together
• Helping with chores

Activities not permitted with physical distancing guidelines

• Meeting in-person with friends where physical distancing cannot be maintained
• At their homes/your home
• In cars together
• Sharing make-up, food, drinks, cigarettes or vaping devices

Physical activity 

Children of all ages should be physically active throughout the day. Physical activity helps improve children’s mental health and well being, helps reduce stress and develop strength, flexibility and bone density.

There are many activities that you and your children can do around your home while in self-isolation or around your neighbourhood while maintaining physical distancing guidelines.

If you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, you and your children can still go outside to exercise, but stay close to your home.

If you or your family are self-isolating, you can still be physically active around your home.

School and child care

Visit our resources for schools and child care for more information.