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Original poster

Should kids wear facemasks in school to reduce second wave and more school closures?

420 replies

947EliseChalotte · 14/07/2020 10:45

Should kids wear masks in school in September when there are 30 in a class to reduce chances of second wave and avoid school shut down again?

OP posts:
BogRollBOGOF · 14/07/2020 10:58

Absolutely not.

Masks impede communication for children with hearing impairment, neuro-diverse conditions and communication difficulties.
Children returning to school after months off are already being reported by staff to be regressed and unusually quiet in their communication skills. Distorting the quality of verbal and non verbal communication as well is educacationally disasterous.
You are doublly affecting children who have already suffered more than average by 5.5 months away from their usual social and educational settings.

It's not just exemptions for children with SENs or medical needs, for many, others in the room wearing them is a negative impact.

Thank goodness I no longer teach in secondaries and won't have to face the wealth of ways that masks can be used for low level disruption. The humming game just went nuclear. Plus the opportunities to leave them lying around for eugh factor.

Trying to learn hundreds of pupils when you only see the top half of their face... it's not easy on a time table where you only see them for one or two hours per week when you can see a whole face.

Young people need real normality to thrive socially and educationally. We are in severe danger of fucking up a generation with many SEN pupils poorly provided for, and rising concerns about bored youths being drawn into gangs and crime.

Fatted · 14/07/2020 10:59

I can't get my eldest to keep his clothes on all day. How the heck am I meant to get him to wear a mask?! Staple it to him?!

Whatdidisay · 14/07/2020 11:04

I cant see younger children keeping them on, however lightweight visors worn by both pupils and staff would be a good compromise, although not as effective they will help and everyone will still see each others faces making learning easier.
There is a real risk of spread in the classrooms and although we need kids back in schools, we should be making it as safe as possible for teachers, pupils and their families.

WanderingMilly · 14/07/2020 11:05

Well, I'd say yes but I recognise it would be harder with small children so I guess it isn't going to happen. Teenagers in secondary school, perhaps...

I do think staff working in a school should wear masks though. When schools go back I shall be working in a school (not teaching) and would like to wear my mask when in crowded places, eg. the school dining room. Not sure that they will be OK with it though....

Lifeisabeach09 · 14/07/2020 11:06

They seem to manage in other countries. Classrooms are too small for proper physical distancing here in the UK. Obviously all kids can't wear them for various reasons but might be the way to go (society-wide) to prevent/reduce second wave along with handwashing, etc.

www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/05/04/students-wearing-masks-return-school-some-countries-start-reopen-during-covid-19-crisis-heres-what-that-looks-like/

Fedup21 · 14/07/2020 11:10

Yes, definitely.

They manage perfectly well in other countries.

Literaryseed · 14/07/2020 11:11

No. I'd happily support them compulsory for adults but no child should have to wear a mask.

Original poster
947EliseChalotte · 14/07/2020 11:20

Reading about the comment about children poorly provided and gangs of kids bored leading to gangs and crime...surely facemasks would be a benefit in school because it will stop/ slow down spread of covid having 30 kids I a class, which if the kids wear masks it could avoid school closes and shut downs. Surely kids are best wearing masks so they can be in school rather then covid spreading around and school closures which would lead to more bored kids , gangs etc? Also school shut downs will reflect parents again home schooling and taking time off work which is bad for economy. Surely teachers telling kids to wear masks will be for the best when everything's weighed up and consequences. Kids who refuse to wear masks or can't , won't would have to stay at home having home education instead of effecting others who will and want to complete work in school. Mask will stop spreading in our community to the elderly and vunerable.

OP posts:
NotIncandescentWithRage · 14/07/2020 11:34

Do you have an opinion on how to manage this theory with SN children, op?

Mintjulia · 14/07/2020 11:36

No.

Getting kids to concentrate and communicate is quite hard enough without masks.

Hazelnutlatteplease · 14/07/2020 11:37

Yes. My SN vulnerable child would be definitely back at school then

user1471530109 · 14/07/2020 11:43

Some kids would be exempt. Just like they would in shops

I am really sick of the group on here who say children won't cope. Of course they will! Look at other countries! Those with a real need to not wear them wouldn't have to.

OP, I really hope they are made mandatory for at least secondary age. I can see younger children finding it more difficult to understand not to mess with them etc.

We need to stop putting our heads in the sand. Next autumn winter is likely to be tough. Wearing masks is a small step to trying to carry on as normal.

labyrinthloafer · 14/07/2020 11:43

Yes for secondary, with exceptions where needed.

As in Germany, France etc.

Our biggest issue is classes are big in small rooms

bodgeitandscarper · 14/07/2020 11:44

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Aroundtheworldin80moves · 14/07/2020 11:44

Secondary... Yes. Or at least encouraged- especially while moving around the school.
Primary... I think they would be counterproductive in Infants. Upper Juniors may manage.

ComDummings · 14/07/2020 11:46

Not primary school, no

PotteringAlong · 14/07/2020 11:46

Yes, for secondary school.

TimeForLunch · 14/07/2020 11:48

No way. Apart from anything, most of them wouldn't wear a mask properly and would fiddle with it all day. It would be pointless and just add to the complications of getting children back to school.

Pebble21uk · 14/07/2020 11:53

Yes, definitely.
You want schools to stay open then masks are required.

How many of the people saying 'No' are the same people who have been calling for schools to open.

You can't have it both ways

2847381User · 14/07/2020 12:00

How many of the people saying 'No' are the same people who have been calling for schools to open

My DD5 is back in school and I wouldn't want her to wear masks at school. Children go off facial expression and tone. My DD often mishears things and watches your mouth to see how you are sounding the word out ( had her hearing checked, they said she was fine )

Walking to school today and her friend shouted her name from across the street. She asked her dad if she could walk with my DD and he said yes, they both ran to school together laughing and smiling.

I just dont think it would be the same with masks on,

My DS is starting the nursery school in September, there's no way at all he would keep a mask on. By the time September comes he will have spent nearly 6 months at home with me. How is he meant to start learning to socialise again if he can't see peoples faces properly?

AnnaNimmity · 14/07/2020 12:06

no. It's not just about communication. My dd is hugely anxious about coronavirus. Hugely. Going back to school has given her some normality, but she is still upset about bubbles, handwashing, people going on about second wave. The risk is low and is already mitigated a fair amount, and I don't think the (questionable) advantages of masks in reducing infection outweigh all the disadvantages for children.

I don't have a view on secondary age children as I don't know enough about the risks of covid-19 for or from them.

Porcupineinwaiting · 14/07/2020 12:08

'SN children's are not one homogeneous group. Many 'SN children' can wear masks, or would be safer if everyone else did so.

CanWeComeIntoTheOutNow · 14/07/2020 12:08

I'm just not sure if it would work out, though I'd be happy for schools to try. My (soon to be) Year 4 child is ADHD and although is quite happy to wear a mask, and indeed watched TV in his for two hours last week he just CANNOT leave it alone. He was chewing it, pinging it, moving it up and down, tweaking it. When he had to wear it to the GPs (the whole reason he had one was for that appt) I spent more time trying to keep his hands away from his face than actually talking to the nurse. I think it would be just another thing to drive the teacher bonkers and she, quite frankly, will have her hands full enough...

Pebble21uk · 14/07/2020 12:11

2847381User but this isn't just about your daughter and what won't be the same for her with a mask on!! We're in the biggest pandemic for 100 years! This is about saving lives not seeing smiles!

If Scotland can manage it for over 5s and most of Europe and Asia don't have a problem with children wearing them for school - what makes us so special!?

I have hearing issues and asthma - I'll still be wearing one. We need to get over ourselves!

Hazelnutlatteplease · 14/07/2020 12:12

'SN children's are not one homogeneous group. Many 'SN children' can wear masks, or would be safer if everyone else did so.

Yes this

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