Eight big issues for vulnerable students highlighted by coronavirus crisis, charity says

She's only six years old, but Sylvana's education has already served up challenges most kids won't even need to think about during their entire school life. Key points: The Smith Family charity has been helping thousands of students through the COVID-19 crisis The Smith Family charity has been helping thousands of students through the COVID-19 crisis Its teams have identified eight major issues highlighted by the crisis, including mental health concerns, food insecurity and the "digital divide" Its teams have identified eight major issues highlighted by the crisis, including mental health concerns, food insecurity and the "digital divide" It is calling for support to help vulnerable students as they return to classrooms When the COVID-19 crisis closed her school, Sylvana was forced to switch to online learning in a home that didn't even have a computer. Eight key issues The Smith Family, Australia's leading educational charity, has produced a report based on its work helping 700 schools and 50,000 disadvantaged students during the COVID-19 crisis. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world The report identifies eight key areas of concern: • The "digital divide" faced by families without computers or internet, or multiple children sharing one device • Challenges with homeschooling such as the stress of establishing new routines and financial pressures from the cost of stationery, printing, etc • Increased risk of students disengaging altogether — particularly those starting high school this year, or in year 10 • Unemployment as many tertiary students lose their jobs • Mental health concerns • Limitations on family life and loss of family supports creating issues with interactions with extended family • Food insecurity and the closure of school breakfast clubs, with one family's weekly food budget increasing from $200 to $350 • Delays and difficulty accessing support services Sylvana has fallen behind while studying at home, her grandmother Sylvia believes. Learning lost for disadvantaged students: Weeks of school closures Weeks lost in year 5 reading Weeks lost in year 5 numeracy Weeks lost in year 9 reading Weeks lost in year 9 numeracy NSW 7 1.1 1.9 1.6 2.3 Vic 9 1.4 2.4 2.1 3 Qld 6 0.9 1.6 1.4 2 SA 1 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 WA 2 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.7 Tas 8 1.2 2.2 1.8 2.6 NT 1 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 ACT 8 1.2 2.2 1.8 2.6 Source: Pain without gain: Why school closures are bad policy, Centre for Independent Studies It doesn't end at high school Jasmyn Lloyd is seen as a future Indigenous leader, but the 20-year-old medical student from rural SA is finding it tough just getting by at the moment.