AIBU to want to wear a mask again in my classroom

[EmsHugs]

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.

Yes, we are lucky that all classrooms have windows that open so our levels are good. You can make HEPA filters https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/make-your-own-classroom-air-filter-corsi-rosenthal-box
I'm also aware of some local schools that have bought them - not through gov scheme as to be honest they are not great options and more expensive.
There's a number of schools that have had them donated courtesy of local Councillor and I understand 200 London schools are getting them thanks to Mayor.

Agree, much better options and prices out there, or you can make them as a class.
neu.org.uk/latest/library/make-your-own-classroom-air-filter-corsi-rosenthal-box

Pandemonium123

Since you're in education, maybe you can educate yourself instead of following everything the TV tells you to? Anyone still doing what they're told by a bunch of clowns and actors is a joke.

Have you tried being less condescending?

Do read the room.

@DragonGypsyDoris

people can wear a mask if they want, Hun. It’s their face and they can do what they want with it and if that includes wearing a mask so be it, your opinion on it being ridiculous is completely irrelevant as people will do what they want 🤷‍♀️

Wow, there are even people on this thread who don't believe that viruses exist or transmit between people. The ignorance and conspiracy theories have really gone overboard during this pandemic. Years and years of science being denied just because of the blathering propaganda of some idiots on social media.

Absolutely. But some of these people are working for foreign powers intent on damaging Britain and spend their time spreading misinformation. Bound to be some on here too.

Should people really do what they want hun, when wearing a mask generally limits the effectiveness of their communication and teaching, and specifically prejudices the learning of certain pupils with additional needs?

Alternatively the pupils can be taught by a cover teacher or TA as their teacher is off with covid, WRS or mental health issues due to not being allowed to wear a mask whilst pregnant.

Also its interesting how many people suddenly give a toss about pupils with a SEND because until covid only the parents affected and very few others did. Now its just another hammer to smack teachers with.

@DragonGypsyDoris

OP has been clear that no one in her class has such needs. So she can crack on - and with the support of her school too! Go OP! 😀

I'm too late to vote but YANBU.

I'm a bit shocked by the amount of misunderstanding there is in this thread of things like how masks work, and the immune system.

An FFP2 or better mask will definitely protect you - not 100% - but even if it isn't professionally fitted it will still reduce the amount of virus you breathe in a LOT. You can also wear valved masks that don't protect others from you (perfectly reasonable if no one around you is bothered about covid and you aren't ill) and those are a bit more comfortable as the heat doesn't build up as much - only air on the way in is filtered, not on the way out.

Recommending that pregnant women actively try to catch colds is incredibly reckless given the 'mild' viruses that can harm unborn babies. Rubella and slapped cheek both have mild cold-like symptoms as part of the illness and yet can cause birth defects and miscarriage. A pregnant woman thinking that catching someone else's 'cold' will actively help her baby could be making a catastrophic mistake. Statistically it probably won't hurt her, but she'd be mad to run towards it thinking it will help. Better to rely on her previous 20-30 years worth of exposure to colds, rather than deliberately trying to cram in even more exposure in pregnancy.

Covid itself is dangerous in pregnancy, not just to a newborn, as a lot of research seems to show it increasing the chance of a stillbirth and even neurodevelopmental delay. It's completely rational for any pregnant woman to want to reduce her chance of catching it, even if that avoidance isn't convenient for other people. Employers with pregnant staff should be enabling good ventilation and air purification, or allowing masks, as part of normal health and safety at work. And I hate to be all 'children are our future' about it but it's something we should all care about to some extent, just like we should care about ventilation in schools for children.

Late to this, but great post @dragonpen