Topic 1 Introduction

The importance of self expression through art for children and teenagers

During Covid-19 pandemic, many children and teenagers were learning from home and were dependent on their screens to connect to peers, teachers & family.
It is essential that students are encouraged to express themselves through creative outlets like; dance, writing, visual arts, drama, music et., especially under those circumstances.
Children may lack the developmental ability and life experience to understand, verbally express and process difficult, adverse or traumatic experiences.
Art can be a way to support & promote mental health in children & it is an evidence-based solution.
There are several research studies that show the importance of incorporating arts in students’ lives at home as well as in their education systems (e.g. Martin & Calvert, 2018).

For example, a study (Malboeuf‑Hurtubise et al., 2021), showed that online emotion-based drawing interventions are beneficial to improve mental health in elementary school children, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Specifically, the drawing interventions decreased levels of inattention and hyperactivity.
This study also showed that the implementation of these interventions online and remotely, through a videoconference platform, is feasible and adequate in school-based settings.