Experts have launched a survey to see how Australian pre-schoolers are coping with COVID-19.

University of Melbourne researchers say children aged 1-5 are under-represented in trauma and anxiety research as many people wrongly assume that they will simply bounce back after disruptive events, or not remember them.

The COVID-19 Unmasked online survey will help build a picture of how the pandemic and other recent disruptive events, such as bushfires and floods, have affected young children, their parents, and family life.

Researcher Dr Mira Vasileva says earlier studies have shown that older children who experience medical trauma, violence, natural disaster or another disruptive life event often struggle socially and at school.

But few studies have looked at those aged 1-5, partly due to assumptions that they would not be affected long-term.

“This age group is often neglected because people think they don’t understand what’s happening but they are also affected by the behaviour of their parents, who might be stressed by working at home or being in financial trouble,” Dr Vasileva said.

The 20-minute anonymous online survey is aimed at Australian caregivers of children aged 1-5 living in Australia or overseas. Follow up surveys will be conducted three, six and 12 months later.

It runs until June 30.