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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to expect teachers to uphold mask laws in class?

34 replies

Alpenguin · 03/09/2021 17:08

My child started high school a few weeks back. The covid numbers rose exponentially when restrictions were dropped and schools returned here. Masks are still compulsory in indoor settings here. We’ve had multiple emails saying kids in the school have tested positive and nobody else need isolate etc.

One of my child’s teachers, who has already stated they are anti mask but are forced to wear one at school, has proposed a class party next week and because it’s a party none of them will have to wear masks in class. There is no reason for the party, it’s just because. It will be held indoors.

This is not a post about your opinions on wearing masks, the law says they’re still compulsory here unless exempt and that is not what is in question.

My question is AIBU to expect teachers to uphold the law regarding masks in class, regardless of how ridiculous or irritating they personally find such laws and attire?

OP posts:
Mybalconyiscracking · 03/09/2021 17:12

Oh go and have a glass of wine ffs, it’s Friday evening, who cares?

PlanDeRaccordement · 03/09/2021 17:15

That’s odd. I was just talking with my brother as my niece starts 6th form in England next week and the school there is only doing masks indoors in communal areas, not the classrooms.

My DD at uni in Scotland says masks only required indoors if over 30 people in the room/area.

Are you sure you have the law right that masks are required in the classrooms?

Mistressiggi · 03/09/2021 17:15

A party in a high school class, for what reason? How strange.
I would be a kill joy about this too, and raise it with the school.

Mistressiggi · 03/09/2021 17:16

OP probably in Scotland if started school a few weeks back, masks are indeed required in secondary classrooms here.

GintyMcGinty · 03/09/2021 17:20

I'm in Scotland where masks are required in secondary school classrooms.

TBH I really wish they weren't and that we could get rid of them.

But I think teachers should set an example to young people and not actually flout the laws. I think that is wrong. Its pretty poor behaviour by this teacher.

converseandjeans · 03/09/2021 17:21

We have been told to ask students to remove masks in lessons if they are still wearing them. I won't be as I think it's their personal choice. I want them to be in school, so won't add to their anxiety levels.

From my understanding it's masks in corridors but not classrooms. However I agree with you - I think we should try to do whatever we can to keep schools open/stop rates going up.

Original poster
Alpenguin · 03/09/2021 17:27

Yes it’s Scotland and they’re required to wear masks at all times except when eating at lunch.

OP posts:
Original poster
Alpenguin · 03/09/2021 17:29

@Mybalconyiscracking

Oh go and have a glass of wine ffs, it’s Friday evening, who cares?
You cared enough to post. Maybe take your own advice?
OP posts:
NotJuryDutyAgain · 03/09/2021 17:33

I feel sorry for teachers. They have so many jobs in addition to their actual job of teaching: maintaining order, enforcing dress code, counselling students, etc. The last thing they need is to be responsible for "upholding mask laws", on top of everything else.

The teacher in your example sounds very strange, but most teachers will just be doing the best they can.

noblegiraffe · 03/09/2021 17:36

A class party? In secondary? What lesson will they be missing for this party?

I'd drop a line to school querying it because it all sounds rather odd and the sort of thing that the leadership team should be aware of.

Original poster
Alpenguin · 03/09/2021 17:38

It’s part of the PSE lesson @noblegiraffe

I’ve no idea what PSE is. Apparently today the teacher was talking about geese and goose poo 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
PinkiOcelot · 03/09/2021 17:42

@Mybalconyiscracking how rude are you?! Go have a glass of wine yourself. You sound like you need it. Wash down a chill pill with it as well!!

OP, I would have thought that if masks are still the law where you are, then yes they should be following that and wearing them.

My dd is starting year 13 next week and it is up to the pupils if they want to wear them, but they’re not compulsory here.

Yogsgirl · 03/09/2021 17:44

How long do people expect everyone to wear masks for? It can't go on indefinitely. There is no end in sight for this pandemic, we need to learn to take the risk and get on with it. If you want to wear a mask - fine. Stop imposing your wishes on everyone else.

AbitSceptical · 03/09/2021 17:45

@NotJuryDutyAgain

I feel sorry for teachers. They have so many jobs in addition to their actual job of teaching: maintaining order, enforcing dress code, counselling students, etc. The last thing they need is to be responsible for "upholding mask laws", on top of everything else.

The teacher in your example sounds very strange, but most teachers will just be doing the best they can.

^^ This.
PlanDeRaccordement · 03/09/2021 17:46

Well it’s obvious that a teacher should be enforcing whatever the mask laws are. I wouldn’t be bothered about a class party..it is just that class. They’ll be wearing masks presumably. Perhaps the teacher is trying to build a sense of community and belonging in the class.

Reallyreallyborednow · 03/09/2021 17:48

I'm in Scotland where masks are required in secondary school classrooms

Required or Law? Massive difference.

If it is indeed law, call the police as you would any other time you witness the law being broken.

millymollymoomoo · 03/09/2021 17:52

Masks in secondary are pointless

However, if it’s a legal requirement then yes they have to uphold it
If it’s guidance then no they don’t
Are you sure it’s law not guidance ?

shouldistop · 03/09/2021 17:56

Well done that teacher.

GintyMcGinty · 03/09/2021 17:56

@Reallyreallyborednow

I'm in Scotland where masks are required in secondary school classrooms

Required or Law? Massive difference.

If it is indeed law, call the police as you would any other time you witness the law being broken.

Its still the law in Scotland. Unless you are exempt.
Mistressiggi · 03/09/2021 21:33

The party aspect will be that if they are eating and drinking they don't have to have a mask on.

toomuchlaundry · 03/09/2021 21:40

@converseandjeans that is really bad that the school are asking you to tell students to take masks off if wearing them in class. If students still want to wear them, they should be allowed, especially if they are still having to wear them in corridors etc and school transport. It is such mixed messages for the students.

UrgentHelpforFriend · 03/09/2021 21:46

The problem is many parents don't want their dc to wear one...

What can a teacher do? They can't force dc to wear them.
Often slt don't want students to wear them either.

Kithic · 03/09/2021 21:48

because it’s a party none of them will have to wear masks in class.

So technically he is following the law

He's an arse, but technically correct (the best kind of correct)

saraclara · 03/09/2021 22:10

@Kithic

because it’s a party none of them will have to wear masks in class.

So technically he is following the law

He's an arse, but technically correct (the best kind of correct)

It's in school time, presumably. So it doesn't matter what he calls it. The rules apply.
saraclara · 03/09/2021 22:12

@Yogsgirl

How long do people expect everyone to wear masks for? It can't go on indefinitely. There is no end in sight for this pandemic, we need to learn to take the risk and get on with it. If you want to wear a mask - fine. Stop imposing your wishes on everyone else.
If HE chooses not to wear a mask, then that is exactly it - his choice, and he takes the consequences. He doesn't get to bend the rules for the 30 pupils in his class though. He doesn't get to make that choice for them.