Behavioural fatigue VS Covid regulations

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The world is currently facing a challenge of epic proportions and, after lockdown, society is beginning to experience a shift to their normal: social distancing, sanitizing, temperature readings and wearing masks.

In South Africa, private school children went back at school on 1 June 2020, with public school children due to follow suit a week later. In accordance with regulations, all schools are to be prepared for Covid screening, including creating plans of action for social distancing.

As could be expected, parents showed due concern regarding sending their children back to school, however most of their trepidations were put to rest when they were shown (usually by way of a video shared on social media) that steps had been taken to ensure the safety of learners. The more stringent the precautions, the less anxious the parents.

As these are unprecedented times, there seems to be no right or wrong way to go about things these days. The truth is that there are no true Covid experts based in all schools and, while school administration may create policies, the daily responsibility (read drudgery) of ensuring compliance lies solely on the shoulders of the teachers.

Learners are expected to don masks, ensure social distancing during their commute to school, endure Covid screening each and every morning upon entering the school, maintain social distance in class and in the corridors, maintain social distancing protocols on the playground, lose tuck-shop treats, sacrifice PE, forego Sports Day, Fun Day and possibly also their year-end concert!

But what happens when tough measures are in place for an extended period of time? – Behavioural fatigue!

Behavioural fatigue is based on the premise that strict measures which are enforced too soon and/or for too long may result in people growing tired of, and eventually ceasing to comply with, such regulations.

Behavioural fatigue may manifest in many ways:

• Rebellion and non-compliance
• Demoralisation
• Feeling ‘cooped up’
• Loss of trust in public health advice
• Loss of trust in school administration and authority

How to overcome behaviour fatigue

The COM-B model of behavioural change (Michie et al.) states that, in order to effect change in behaviour, the target group needs to have the:

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• Capability of change
• Opportunity to change
• Motivation for change

Thus, three considerations to think about when creating Covid procedures at your school:

1. Are your learners capable? (Think about age-related expectations)
2. They now have the opportunity – Yes!
3. How can we motivate them?

What Covid procedures has your school created that you are particularly proud of? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay well, inside and out

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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