Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Lift social distancing in schools and nurseries for the sake of mental health

Closed 762 signatures

What the petition asks

We would like the government to lift all social distancing measures in schools, so children can go back to their normal activities. Any future measures on schools related to Covid19 should be presented to parliament for voting considering the mental health, social and educational needs of children.
Schools and nurseries are environments where children develop social skills that are essential to life in society. Social distancing measures do not allow for these aspects to be fomented. As staff needs to concentrate on excessive disinfection, and access to material such as toys and books is limited, the focus is taken away from teaching. Engagement between parents and teachers is also reduced, as well as pupils' motivation to go back to school. All of these could impact mental health negatively.

Timeline

12 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
12 Feb 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 762
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 12 Aug 2020
Closed 12 Feb 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.