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

[947EliseChalotte]

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?

I don't mind either way tbh, as someone who works as a 1-1 with a child with SN. Both my kids (8 and 10) would be ok with masks, as much as they would rather not wear them. I'm not convinced my little charge would manage but we would cross that bridge.

I'm not convinced that in primary school it is wholly necessary, but can see more logic in secondary.

And yet you are content for teachers and other school staff to be collateral damage. How melodramatic.

No, absolutely not. Iv been back in a primary bubble for the last 5 weeks and with the correct hygiene measures in place that is more than enough.

Jesus Christ... Another mask/schools/pupils/thread.

Can we not have a specific topic for this? Isn’t there enough threads running already?

I think that as evidence increases towards the virus being airborne- then yes schools (secondary) will need to move towards pupils wearing masks. Unless we want a year of closures and local lockdowns constantly .

I’m a teacher and I think it will make things harder in many ways - but I feel it will be necessary.

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

^ it’s protection, for everyone. I can’t imagine someone with SN would deal well with this virus, especially a bad bout that needs a hospital visit.

There are face masks available that have a window to not obstruct the mouth and expressions.

We have 7 weeks to get our children used to the idea, and normalise mask wearing.

Not every child can wear one, no, but I’m sure provisions could be made for the minority.

Yes, those that can should.

And I think they will be by September. The disruption caused by sick teacher and children will be enough to further damage the economy.

Yes. Teachers should wear masks and all kids that can. The disruption in schools for autumn and winter is going to be chaos so masks will help slow the spread. They're not ideal, they may hinder communication, some may not wear them properly and they may scare others, but they may save someone's life so get on with it and keep perspective , this is a killer disease.

I think that getting the coronavirus test (the nose swab) is a lot more traumatic than wearing a mask for the majority (I mean those who can wear one) so it's a small price to pay.

I think that getting the coronavirus test (the nose swab) is a lot more traumatic than wearing a mask for the majority (I mean those who can wear one) so it's a small price to pay.

Oh yes, I am rather scared of the nasal swab

Maybe at secondary level - with a lot of consideration given to special needs, be it on the part of the wearer or other children in the class (e.g. hearing impairments meaning they need to be able to see other peoples mouths).

Primary level absolutely not. They're too little and can't be expected to wear masks all day and wear them correctly.

@Butterbeeeen

No, absolutely not. Iv been back in a primary bubble for the last 5 weeks and with the correct hygiene measures in place that is more than enough.

And that’s very lovely for you and your primary bubble. Seems as though, like the various governments in the UK, you haven’t given any thought at all to secondary schools. The pupils will be in a bubble of 240 in my school (year groups) and I will teach a class in every year group. I’ll be exposed directly or by proxy to every child in the school - approx 1500 of them. I’ll see them for an hour at a time in a room which won’t allow For social distancing or very efficient ventilation, and I’ll see up to 5 groups a day. I’ll also have to pass them in the corridors. The ONLY thing we’ve been told we can do is socially distanced from other staff - so I have to keep away from colleagues who could support me...

@ToBBQorNotToBBQ where are you that somebody is being so sensible about what is safe in schools?

The UN Convention on the Righst of the Child state:

Article 3
The best interests of the child must be a top
priority in all decisions and actions that
affect children*

I don't think that mask wearing is in the best interests of most children. I believe that it is detrimental to the physical and mental health of primary aged children to be made to wear face masks for 6 hours.

Article 12
Every child has the right to express their
views, feelings and wishes in all matters
affecting them, and to have their views
considered and taken seriously. This right
applies at all times, for example during
immigration proceedings, housing decisions
or the child’s day-to-day home life.

Children should not be made to wear masks for 6+ hours in school without having been consulted and without having a fair chance to choose.

@ElectricShoes

And yet you are content for teachers and other school staff to be collateral damage. How melodramatic.

It was the original statement that was melodramatic. I merely reflected it back. Perhaps aim your criticism in the right direction- to the person who said it first.

FFS .. NO!

At least you’ll only have bits of one year group missing when a child gets Covid not bits of all year groups
@RafaIsTheKingOfClay I don’t understand why you think this. If a child in, say Y10, develops symptoms - they’ll have been in classrooms in different groups for 10or more subjects, with 10 or more teachers. All those people will be directly exposed. Then what about the groups the teachers taught in other year groups? Or the pupils in other classes that have a common member with pupil x? It could potentially have knock on contacts with pupils all over the school.

@ElectricShoes

The UN Convention on the Righst of the Child state:

Article 3
The best interests of the child must be a top
priority in all decisions and actions that
affect children*

I don't think that mask wearing is in the best interests of most children. I believe that it is detrimental to the physical and mental health of primary aged children to be made to wear face masks for 6 hours.

Article 12
Every child has the right to express their
views, feelings and wishes in all matters
affecting them, and to have their views
considered and taken seriously. This right
applies at all times, for example during
immigration proceedings, housing decisions
or the child’s day-to-day home life.

Children should not be made to wear masks for 6+ hours in school without having been consulted and without having a fair chance to choose.

What about the rights of schools staff (not just teachers) not to be exposed t9 the virus without consultation? Without any protection?

Yes of course they should. Some of us would like to have fewer cases as soon as possible so ACTUAL NORMALITY can resume and the more people reducing the spread by wearing masks, keeping their distance and maintaining good hygiene the better.

Unfortunately it seems to be a race to the fucking bottom. 30 years ago most kids could tie their shoe laces, a tie and wash their face and hands with a bar of soap.

Now it’s tooooooooo haaaaaaaaaaarrrrrdddddd.

Fucksakes.

They are bringing this into work offices soon

Where have you read this please OP? There's speculation of course, but I wasn't aware the guidance had changed.

"...Masks impede communication for children with hearing impairment, neuro-diverse conditions and communication difficulties. ..."
But this is only a small fraction of children!
If ppl keep saying that if someone needs shielding then just stay home and let others get on with stuff, then why shouldn't it work the other way?
I think children should wear masks, millions have been doing it for years/decades

And what about the rights of other kid's parents to be safe?

How on earth is that practical, manageable or proportionate.

Easier than you think. The kids who attend school currently have to wash their hands regularly throughout the day. I assume the desks/tables are wiped down before and after the school day (possibly in between too) and have access to hand gel.

What other infection controls in schools do people suggest?