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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want to wear a mask again in my classroom

487 replies

EmsHugs · 19/08/2024 08:05

Would like to know AIBU to not give in to this parent demand.

I am in my second trimester but still quite small so not told many people as we still have some tests etc and i am listed as high risk. It is my first pregnancy after years of infertility, failed IVf and and I am being super cautious. Before the summer when I was in the early weeks of my pregnancy I caught covid and was very ill so since returning to school I have chosen to wear a mask, particularly as I have still to get several of the vaccinations like flu, whooping cough etc.

A parent of a child has put in a complaint and said I should remove the mask because it makes their child anxious but I have said while I am sorry their child does not like the mask, due to current health issues I will not. They have now made accusations that I am a poor teacher and not respectful of their child's issues, however as a high school teacher I have over 500 pupils in and out my classroom every week and want to every precaution I can to protect my baby. The school are aware why I am doing this and said they will explain to the parent but several of my colleagues, friends and family members are still not awaresi am pregnant so I do not particularly feel I should have to divulge this to a parent and that stating my health concerns should be sufficient. I have even sat with the child and explained that I wear the mask to protect myself and that I need to wear it for now but that may change later but I appreciate them being understanding. The pupil seemed to be okay but the parent continues to be adament and I believe it is because I have immediately not given into them and stood my ground.

The stress of this parent sending complaints everytime this child is in my class 4 times a week, is getting me very stressed so I would like to know:

AIBU to not divulge at the moment the reason I need to wear a mask
AINBU the parent needs to realise they cannot get everything they want.

OP posts:
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Werweisswohin · 19/08/2024 08:30

Keepingongoing · 19/08/2024 08:29

The FFP2 mask, which offers the wearer more protection, looks very similar to a basic mask.

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I'm familiar with masks, thanks.
They're not conducive to good teaching.

Chickoletta · 19/08/2024 08:30

I sympathise but think that YABU. As others have said, masks really don’t protect you very much but they do present a serious barrier for many children in the classroom. I’m a teacher and found it almost impossible to teach in a mask as it is hard to be heard and also prevents us using our facial expressions to communicate fully. I’m also the parent of a child with hearing loss and know that DD would find this very difficult.
If you can’t get yourself signed off, I think you’ll just have to be very scrupulous with hygiene, boost your immune system as much as possible with antenatal vitamins and crack on.

Original poster
EmsHugs · 19/08/2024 08:30

It is a medical grade mask. I am aware it will not possibly stop much but it is offering me a little protection. None of my pupils have hearing loss, I went through our support system and checked this prior. There is a precedent of mask use in the schoon my school we taught with masks on for over a year. Two colleagues who had cancer and were immuno compromised also wore masks at points even last year. As stated I spoke to all my classes prior and asked pupils to message me if they had any queries or questions. Several pupils in some of the classes also wear masks.

OP posts:
Sweetteaplease · 19/08/2024 08:30

Also, she'll just be voicing what the other parents are thinking. One teacher often wears a mask at my sons pre-school and it really pisses the parents off, but everyone is afraid to say something

Keepingongoing · 19/08/2024 08:29

Werweisswohin · 19/08/2024 08:25

I'm not antivax but also not sure there's much point in a basic mask tbh.
If it's a proper mask with filters then I can understand some pupils and other staff also finding that a challenge.

Edited
Show quote history

The FFP2 mask, which offers the wearer more protection, looks very similar to a basic mask.

Werweisswohin · 19/08/2024 08:28

Moonopoly · 19/08/2024 08:27

@Werweisswohin it’s just a regular looking mask but it has superior filters. It’s not a space suit

Did I say is was a spacesuit?
Any barrier over the mouth hinders teaching.

Moonopoly · 19/08/2024 08:27

@Jjiillkkf My link shows the research done recently

Keepingongoing · 19/08/2024 08:27

Also, there are portable air purifiers which may offer protection though I’m guessing you’d have to buy and supply it yourself.

Moonopoly · 19/08/2024 08:27

@Werweisswohin it’s just a regular looking mask but it has superior filters. It’s not a space suit

Firenzeflower · 19/08/2024 08:26

Sorry I think the parent is right. Wash your hands and get your jabs but masks are simply not appropriate.

JLou08 · 19/08/2024 08:26

Wearing a mask isn't going to stop you catching anything. Covering your face is not productive for teaching. If you insist on wearing a mask despite it not giving you any protection and getting in the way of you teaching maybe a transparent mask would be an option.

Werweisswohin · 19/08/2024 08:25

LividSummers · 19/08/2024 08:23

Parent is a dick. Ignore and don’t respond. Probably have some antivax mandate and it’s riling them up.

If you’re wearing a proper mask, properly, and taking all other precautions then crack on.

If you had to go sick and they had cover teachers they’d be complaining about that.

I'm not antivax but also not sure there's much point in a basic mask tbh.
If it's a proper mask with filters then I can understand some pupils and other staff also finding that a challenge.

gamerchick · 19/08/2024 08:24

But masks don't stop you catching virusus though. An airborne virus just has to float into your eyes, are you going to wear goggles as well?

If it truly makes you feel safer then don't give in to demands but there may be kids who have undiagnosed as yet hearing issues and not being able to watch your mouth might make them anxious. Maybe the kid needs to be moved to another class to keep everyone happy.

Keepingongoing · 19/08/2024 08:23

A basic mask won’t protect you but the higher spec masks ( FFP2 ) given more protection. It wouldn’t be illogical to wear one at all. Ventilation is also supposed to help so open windows…

Sweetteaplease · 19/08/2024 08:23

YABU. It's not fair on the kids to have a teacher wearing a mask. Your face is needed for communication

Werweisswohin · 19/08/2024 08:23

Moonopoly · 19/08/2024 08:21

All those saying masks don’t protect you are not correct. Paper blue masks yes only protect the other person but masks with proper filtration do protect you.

I honestly don't think that a teacher standing at the front wearing such a mask is conducive to creating a good teaching environment.

LividSummers · 19/08/2024 08:23

Parent is a dick. Ignore and don’t respond. Probably have some antivax mandate and it’s riling them up.

If you’re wearing a proper mask, properly, and taking all other precautions then crack on.

If you had to go sick and they had cover teachers they’d be complaining about that.

ToD101 · 19/08/2024 08:22

I hope none of your 500 pupils have any kind of hearing loss.

DietrichandDiMaggio · 19/08/2024 08:22

YANBU to not share with a parent your medical info, but YABU to wear a mask, as others have said.

Original poster
EmsHugs · 19/08/2024 08:22

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm just 19 weeks so early mat leave is not an option. I would also not like to abandon my classes and go off sick when I don't need to as it is hard to get a replacement cover for my subject easily and I don't want it to impact their learning. I am be very careful. I had bad morning sickness too which is starting to ease so not really been out and about. I explained to my classes that I haven't been well and that I am wearing the mask just to minimise if I can infections and none of them had an issue been lots of hand cleaning. My school doesn't have open windows, they use a air-conditioning system which isn't brilliant

I spoke to my GP and they said the mask might be minimal but it would perhaps prevent droplets from pupils etc when I have to work and lean over them.

OP posts:
MyKidsAreTooNoisy · 19/08/2024 08:22

Well I think masks are of very limited use to you. But re your specific question I don’t think you’re unreasonable to wear a mask and not give the full reasons. Sounds like the child’s mother has her own issues / agenda to be repeatedly complaining. It would make me more adamant in wearing the mask and I would not feel stressed about it, but perhaps I’m odd and difficult.

Leavetheminthebowl · 19/08/2024 08:21

You don't need a mask. It's not going to prevent you from getting ill.

Even in the height of Covid, I didn't wear one to teach in during my pregnancy. It's so difficult to teach well with a mask on - pupils need to be able to read your facial expressions.

I understand your anxiety about getting ill but a mask isn't going to help.

Moonopoly · 19/08/2024 08:21

All those saying masks don’t protect you are not correct. Paper blue masks yes only protect the other person but masks with proper filtration do protect you.

CherieBabySpliffUp · 19/08/2024 08:19

Are you wearing FFP3 ones which protect you from others? If you're wearing anything else then it's a waste of time so yes YABU to wear one.
You shouldn't have to divulge your personal information to the parent and the head of year or someone should be having a conversation with them stating that this is what you are doing, it will not change and they need to stop contacting you about it.