Impact of COVID-19 on refugee-background students during school shut down in Australia: A call for action

Abstract

The majority of schools across Australia rapidly implemented online education during the first wave of COVID-19 restrictions. The school closure disproportionately affected the routines and socialisation of vulnerable students, including those with a refugee background. Refugee-background students have been impacted by COVID-19 as school closures interrupted face-to-face education, including English language and tutorial support and counselling services. School shutdown also impeded refugee-background students’ activities outside the home, which could render adverse effects on their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Holistic efforts are urgently needed in Australia to support refugee-background students in order to prevent further learning loss and promote health and wellbeing. Keywords: COVID-19, refugee-background students, education loss, physical, mental and social wellbeing, Australia