This study examines students’ social and emotional experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the implications for educational experts including teachers. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the school learning experience negatively influenced school-age students due to repeated postponements of the start of school, online school learning for the first time without proper preparation, and loss of social interaction with friends and teachers. These negative experiences led to learning deficits and educational gaps, deficiencies and gaps in social and emotional learning experiences, and mental health problems. Lastly, some implications for school education are suggested.