Australian parents are in support of COVID-19 testing for kids with 79 per cent understanding the important role it plays in stopping the spread, however, despite these high levels, many parents think twice before getting their child tested.

The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll of 1434 parents who care for 2553 children, has found a range of barriers which may impact on the willingness of parents to attend a testing clinic for their child.

Almost three quarters of parents (74%) are concerned the COVID-19 test might be stressful, painful or uncomfortable for their child with 30 per cent indicating these worries are very likely to stop them from taking their child to have a test. The highest level of concern is among parents of children aged zero to less than five years (80%). Among those children who had been tested for COVID-19, parents told us that 53 per cent of children found the experience only mildly or not at all stressful.

“As a parent myself, I understand concerns parents have. There are a number of ways you can help ease anxiety in your kids including having them sit on your lap or talking to them calmly about what’s happening without too many details. It can be stressful for parents too – by staying calm yourself you will help your child to cope with the experience. Testing is critically important in stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr Anthea Rhodes, Paediatrician and Poll Director.

“Getting tested as soon as you notice any symptoms and isolating until you receive a negative result and are well, are some of the best ways we can all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. This will help us to keep well as a community.”

Despite knowing where to attend testing (83%), parents still hold concerns about the access and logistics.

One in three parents (32%) said that the idea of getting their child tested and having to keep them isolated at home would be overwhelming. One in three parents (31%) said it is a hassle to take their child for a COVID-19 test, and two-thirds (61%) said that testing their child every time they had a cold would result in too many tests. Fifteen per cent of parents said they would be very likely to be deterred from taking their child for a COVID-19 test because they believed their child would refuse to be tested.

Unsurprisingly, parents from Victoria (43%) and New South Wales (38%) are more likely to take their child to get tested compared to all other states and territories combined (16%).

The stigma attached to a positive test has 40 per cent of parents indicating that they may not take their child for a test due to fears of what people would think if their child tested positive. More than a quarter of parents (29%) also indicated they would not want people to know if their child tested positive.

“Fear and anxiety about a disease can lead to negative attitudes and beliefs toward people, places, or things. Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger toward ordinary people instead of focusing on the disease that is causing the problem.

“Everyone can help stop stigma related to COVID-19 by knowing the facts and sharing them with others in their communities. No single person or group of people are more likely than others to spread COVID-19.”

Worryingly, almost half of parents (46%) are still unsure about which symptoms would mean their child needed a COVID-19 test and 48 per cent of parents indicated that if their child had a runny nose or cough it was likely to be the common cold and they did not need a test.

“With hay fever season upon us it may be challenging to figure out if the runny nose your child has is due to pollen or COVID-19 When symptoms start, whether it is a runny nose or a sore throat, you must go and get tested. You can check your local government website for the full list of symptoms so you know what to look out for,” Dr Rhodes said. “If in doubt, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline or contact your GP for further advice. To help keep our families, schools and communities safe, please don’t delay testing or ignore symptoms”.

Coming soon…

Tips for parents

• Getting tested at the first sign of symptoms is the best thing we can all do to stop the spread of COVID-19
• Learn the symptoms of COVID-19 so that you’re able to quickly identify if your child has symptoms and get them tested. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia.
• Remember your child testing positive to COVID-19 is not shameful. Getting tested and isolating is the best thing your family can do help protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from contracting the virus
• It’s normal for parents and children to feel some worry about the COVID-19 test being painful or uncomfortable. Remember the discomfort of the test is only for a very short time, and it’s the very best thing you can do to stop the spread of the virus
• Remember there are a range of supports, including financial support, available to families who are required to isolate following a COVID-19 test or after receiving a positive result. Visit your state government’s website to find more information about the supports available for you.
• There are a range of video resources created by the RCH specifically for children to help them prepare for a COVID-19 test. If your child needs a test for COVID-19, watch the ‘A child’s guide: COVID-19 test’ video with your child before your test

General additional resources

• RCH Kids Health Info – Supporting your child to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic
• Raising children – Coronavirus: family guide
• Victorian State Government – Advice for parents, carers and guardians
• Department of Health and Human Services – Managing illness in schools and early childhood services

Financial resources

• Department of Social Services – Coronavirus information and support
• Money Smart – COVID-19 financial assistance

Mental health resources

It’s natural to worry about what COVID-19 might mean for your family. If you’re worried and need support, you could talk to your GP or a local counsellor.

You can also call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

• Lifeline Australia – We’re here for you
• Beyond Blue – Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
• Kids Helpline – Your guide to everything coronavirus

Coronavirus

Australian, state and territory health department websites have the latest and most reliable information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information please visit the following websites or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

• Department of Health 
• Victorian Department of Health
• New South Wales Government