The American Academy of Pediatrics, the principal medical society representing 67,000 pediatricians, concluded that it is not safe for children to be denied full-time classroom instruction:

“With the above principles in mind, the AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020. Lengthy time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in social isolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. This, in turn, places children and adolescents at considerable risk of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Beyond the educational impact and social impact of school closures, there has been substantial impact on food security and physical activity for children and families.”

According to an EdChoice/Morning Consult poll, by far the number one concern parents presently have about education is missing instruction time. This is a concern of 80 percent of parents.