Number of states with school/district closures due to COVID-19, by status U.S. 2021
School closure during COVID-19
The debate on whether to close schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has been highly contentious in the United States. As experts are unsure about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on individuals, the call to close schools has been rapidly growing. The evidence of children being asymptomatic spreaders helps support the case to close schools to decrease the risk of spreading to their parents and grandparents. Those in favor of closing schools argue that closing schools hinders children’s emotional, mental, and educational development. However, a majority of voters agree that schools should wait to reopen until all teachers are vaccinated.
Parents' worry
Regardless of income level or working status, most parents in the United States share the same fears and concerns about their children’s education and safety during COVID-19. A majority of parents were concerned about their children falling behind as a result of online schooling, as an online school does not provide the same academic and social benefits as an in-person school.