Survey Relays Concerns About Kids, School: Palo Alto-Based Osmo

PALO ALTO, CA — Around 70 percent of parents believe the effects of the pandemic have put their child’s social skills at risk and are worried about learning loss, according to a study commissioned by Palo Alto-based education company Osmo and conducted by OnePoll.

The survey of 2,000 U.S. parents of children ages 5 to 14 also found that two in three parents are worried their child has become more socially awkward around others, and over 60 percent don’t think their child will be able to pick up where they left off when they return to school in the fall.

More than three-fourths of parents encouraged their children to be social and active from home with activities like video games, calling or texting friends and outdoor activities.

“We understand how difficult the pandemic was for both kids and their parents – many of us at Osmo experienced these challenges ourselves,” said Pramod Sharma, CEO of Osmo. “This past year has taught all of us that learning is about so much more than academics. As a brand, Osmo is committed to applying these insights toward multi-player experiences that promote the social-emotional learning parents look for and kids need.”

The survey results come as schools prepare to welcome back kids in the fall, yet concerns over the virus continue to linger and masking protocols have created confusion.

Specific concerns that more than 40 percent of parents have about their children include making conversation with friends, meeting new people, not remembering their school supplies and books and focusing in class.