According to "Child Psychology," many psychologists theorize that school plays an important role in teaching children the values of society. When children attend school daily, they are protected from harmful influences and less likely to engage in antisocial behaviors themselves. Most children thrive on a routine and when that routine is disrupted, children may alter their behavior. Other children may be more susceptible to victimization without having a safe place such as school to go.
Psychologist Richard Weissbourd has argued that school plays a vital role in teaching children ethics. Children who attend school regularly commit crimes at lower rates both because school places constraints on a child's schedule and because school teaches social norms. Children are more likely to try drugs during the hours they are not in school and the more hours a child spends away from school, the more likely she is to try drugs. Children with behavioral and psychological difficulties receive strong benefits from school. The structure provided by school can alleviate frustration and anxiety, both of which can play a role in criminal behavior. According to a report issued by the "Institute for Children, Poverty and Homelessness," over 50,000 students in New York City alone are homeless. When homeless students have nowhere to go, they may engage in petty theft or drug dealing out of desperation. These children are also more likely to be victimized by criminals.
School is especially important for poor children. School breakfast and lunch programs play a vital role in the nourishment of poor children, according to "Child Psychology." When school closes and children do not have access to these programs, they might not get a quality meal until the next time school opens. Behaviors that contribute to the cycle of poverty also tend to increase when schools are closed. Children are, for example, more likely to engage in sexual activity after school, during summer break and when school temporarily closes. This increases the rate of teen pregnancy, a powerful contributor to poverty.
There are several things society, educators and individual parents can do to minimize the negative effects of school closures. Weissbourd, for example, points out that summer programs and youth recreation centers decrease teen pregnancy and drug use. Schools also have the option of continuing their breakfast and lunch programs even when school is closed. Middle class families can volunteer to spend time with impoverished children and work in soup kitchens. Parents should work to ensure that their children have supervision and meaningful activities when school is closed, both of which minimize crime and poverty risks.