Lockdowns during COVID-19 made it hard for kids to understand other people’s behavior. This is called social cognition, and it's an important skill. A study found that kids from lower-income families were affected the most. Lockdowns, social distancing, and school closures were necessary to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. But they also affected how kids learn about other people's thoughts and feelings. This is important for making friends and talking to others. Before the pandemic, kids did well in a test where they had to think about what someone else was thinking. But after the lockdowns, their performance dropped. Kids who were tested after the lockdowns didn’t do as well as those before. Some kids from lower-income families had an even harder time with the test. They struggled to understand what someone else might think or feel. This could make it harder for them to make friends and do well in school. Researchers say that kids who struggle with social cognition might have a harder time as they get older. They might find it hard to make friends and do well in school. It’s important for kids to learn how to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings. Lockdowns have affected kids in many ways, and it's important to think about how we can help them learn and grow. Kids need to practice social skills to be successful in school and with their friends. It’s important to support kids and help them as they learn and grow.