Impact of COVID-19 on refugee-background students during school shut down in Australia: a call for action

The majority of schools across Australia rapidly implemented online education during the first wave of COVID-19 restrictions. The school closure disproportionately affected the routines and socialisation of vulnerable students, including those with a refugee background. Refugee-background students have been impacted by COVID-19 as school closures interrupted face-to-face education, including English language and tutorial support and counselling services. School shutdown also impeded refugee background students’ activities outside the home, which could render adverse effects on their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Holistic efforts are urgently needed in Australia to support refugee background students in order to prevent further learning loss and promote health and wellbeing.