Children lost at home: difficulties during COVID-19 homeschooling in Denmark

This article presents a survey study among Danish primary-school students (n = 5,953) and their parents (n = 5,054). The survey investigates experiences of teaching during school lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected during the initial lockdown period in Denmark (April 1-20 2020), during which time the students participated in teaching from their homes. By utilizing cross-tabulation, factor- and cluster analysis, this article identifies the ways in which students managed schoolwork at home and the consequences in terms of their well-being and mental health. The results indicate that different clusters of students had different experiences of teaching and learning. Young students in particular had difficulties with the situation, and teaching during school lockdowns challenged their well-being and mental health. Furthermore, a group of approximately 20% of all students had particular difficulties: they felt lost at home. They missed support from their parents, they didn’t feel recognized by their teachers, and they had below average contact with their friends.