A Welsh report into child mental health in lockdown has been released just days before schools begin to reopen on Monday (22 February).

The 'Coronavirus and Me' report surveyed 23,000 children from May 2020 to determine how Welsh pupils are coping during the pandemic.

The Minister for Mental Health and Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan, presented the findings in a press conference, saying: "the results say that life has been difficult for children of all ages".

However, the findings are in fact far more complex and varied than the Minister's statement suggests. Responses to a large extent were determined by age group.

The report suggests that older children are having the toughest time, with almost one in three seventeen and eighteen year olds said they were worried most of the time.

High levels of concern were reported regarding the cancellation of exams, with only 17% of young people feel happy that exams have been cancelled.

Nevertheless, some children said they have felt some positive impacts of the pandemic.

For many there has been a pleasure in spending more time with their family, learning new skills and enjoying the outdoors in gardens and during daily exercise.

For some, this period has also brought relief from previous social and health pressures such as mental health difficulties or bullying.

Janet Hayward OBE, head teacher of Cadoxton and Oak Field primary schools in Barry, echoes these sentiments.

"It's obviously good to have children back at school. That's where they belong. But it's not straightforward.

"Some children have had a really good time with their parents and a lot of the stress comes from people telling them that they've fallen so far behind when they may not have done.

"If you live in a nice house with parents who are available to you, then you're more likely to have a good time.

"If you're not so fortunate, then you're not going to have such a good time.

"People want a soundbite, but it's much more complex. I worry that sometimes the portrayal of education in the media lacks nuance and is too black and white.

"I hope education can be something that suits individuals more."

Children aged three to seven in Wales will return to school on Monday 22 February.