AIBU to think a 6 year old is too young to be forced to where a mask?

[Meadow1203]

This is now the law [in France] edited by MNHQ for clarity. I think this could be very frightening for a small child.

[SherryPalmer]

My 8 and 6 year olds have just started having to wear them all day at school. I asked how it was going and they said they just forget they are wearing them. That’s also been my experience when I’ve had to wear one for a long period.
If it helps keep schools open then I think it is justified.

[Soubriquet]

My 5 and 7 year old wear a mask whilst out and about (my 7 year old has asthma) and neither of them make a peep

[Porcupineinwaiting]

I'm sure that there will be some that cant manage it but most would be fine. Or at least they manage it in many countries world-wide.

[flaviaritt]

I don't think anyone who has posted would do that. The point is that the vast majority of 5 year olds would be fine with it. It's the parents who are objecting.

Anyone who thinks it should be mandatory is suggesting this.

[halloweenagain]

It is also worth noting that kids are very peer influenced so if everyone else in the school is wearing one including all their friends it will seem more normal and they won't want to be the odd one out.

[1forAll74]

Most kids like putting a mask on, like in a fun game kind of way, but now you will have to explain to them about another special reason for wearing them.

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

I think most manage ok, but between 2 and 5/6 could be difficult, based on understanding and speech levels.

I saw a little girl, probably 4 or 5, in a yellow balaclava (with just an eye gap and an enormous pompon on top) the other day. It looked hand knitted, so I wondered whether they'd been having mask issues and that was their solution!

[Wannabegreenfingers]

No its not scary and it 's how the adult portrays this. Explain the reasoning behind it, age appropriately. My children are slightly older at 8 & 10, but neither wouldn't dream of not wearing their mask when they are supposed to.

[LastGoldenDaysOfSummer]

It's time it was the law here. Kids are super spreaders. I'd rather a "distressed" child than a dead mother.

They'll get used to it. We used to wear them for fun.

[MessAllOver]

I'd rather a "distressed" child than a dead mother

So would I, but being sensible, what "distressed" means for many pre-schoolers is refusing to comply and taking the mask off. Short of physical restraint, there's not a lot the parents can do.

[ktp100]

My 7 year old doesn't mind wearing one when necessary.

I really don't think it's frightening for them at all. A bit uncomfortable at first but that's the same for everyone.

They need to understand why they're having to do it but at 6 they're capable of reasoning.

[Sockwomble]

It can't be compared to car seats. Once they are in they can't get out or not with the really specialist 7 point harnesses. A mask can be repeatedly pulled off and then eventually they start biting themselves, biting you etc.

[IwishIwasyoda]

I'm in Scotland and anyone over 5 has to wear facemarks. Tbh its a nonsense as they fiddle around with them constantly, touch their faces much more and they tend to fit extremely badly. Would be better not to bother in all honesty

[IwishIwasyoda]

It's also hard for kids who wear glasses

[DappledThings]

I'm online now looking for one for DS(4). Hopefully it will only be for this one appt he needs to wear it.

Having a really visceral reaction to all the photos of children modelling them. Makes me feel sick. But I'm still aware it's my reaction to manage and he probably will just think it's cool if I get the right pattern.

[wherearemyglassesmum]

Anything that hinders kids breathing oxygen is very damaging. To adults also, but worse for children.

[ShortColdandGrey]

My four year old wears one just fine. So I am sure I six year old will manage it.

[bringmelaughter]

My 5 year old merrily wears hers. Wants to be like everyone else. As with most things children will follow the lead of the important adults in their life. Act like it’s a fun thing and no big deal and less likely to have an issue.

[Zilla1]

Children generally more adaptable than adults. Poor analogy but at my DC's school, the children who've adapted best are the youngest year for whom this is normal, rather than the later years.

I imagine this could also be sold as a sign of growing up/being a big boy/girl.

Good luck.

[notangelinajolie]

I think the vast majority of younger children would have no problem with wearing masks since most wear them now any way. I was out shopping this weekend and saw very few children without masks.

I think we should follow the lead of other countries and have all children wearing masks. If the purpose of wearing a mask is to protect other people, it seems bonkers to me that only adults should wear them when young children are just as capable as passing on the virus as anyone. Did I read somewhere that there is evidence that children are super spreaders without ever displaying any symptoms? It can't be all coincidence that since schools went back the infection rates have risen.
It is time the UK Goverment gave us some decisive, un wishy washy rules. Mask wearing would be a start.

[wherearemyglassesmum]

No! you are completely right! Horrible seeing anyone in a mask, kids in masks awful, wrong, why are they doing this to kids?!

[Crushrush82]

Two year olds wearing them. My two year old would not do that.

All our government said in may was "the science says masks do not help" "theres no evidence masks help"

They decide to bring them in and cases are massively on the up. False positive tests are happening.

It's not the best for your health breathing back in the air you've just breathed out. They are not the comfiest. Yes I wear them now and pop in the local shop. But that's it. I m avoiding places where they are required and staying outdoors.

It's good to just get on with it. But I respect people questioning it. Because we have no evidence really that they help. We have massively put our lives on hold for this virus and I don't think people should carry on wearing them for any longer than needed.

Children should not be wearing them at nursery or younger years. What if they vomit? What if they have colds? What if they choke? Absolutely disgusting putting them on babies of that age. I wouldn't do it. Having stuff on their faces for hours won't necessarily kill them but it's not the best.

It's going too far!

[Witchend]

Have you ever seen a gas mask?

[TerribleLizard]

Mine are 2 and 4 and want to wear them because I do. They aren’t phased by people wearing them but young children can get a bit perturbed by new things so I wouldn’t be surprised if other children are upset by them. I’ve got homemade washable ones so made a couple of smaller ones, and have them with me in case they want one. They tend to touch them a lot, though, and their movements are more erratic than adults’ so tend to fall out of position a lot. So I’m not convinced that they would be useful if they had to wear them. If they protected the school staff then I’d be fine with it, but I’d be concerned that the staff would end up in closer contact having to constantly sort them out.

[Crushrush82]

Why compare them to gas masks. That's ridiculous. Yes it could be alot worse. But it doesn't mean people shouldn't be opening their eyes up abit more.