Childs School insisting on face masks in lessons

[GrapefruitsAreNotTheOnlyFruit]

My son's school are now insisting face masks are worn at all times indoors except when eating. It's secondary age group. I think this is going to impact on learning but I don't know what if anything I can do about it. I don't know how effective it will be either. If they are supposed to wear them for hours I think they will be fiddling with them, taking them on and off etc. What do people think?

But are the masks working in these other countries if their rates are going up too?

Wouldn't it be better if children and teachers that were vulnerable were issued with properly fitted N95 masks, a new one each day?

Anyway I am encouraged by all the people whose children are doing this and don't seem to mind. Maybe it won't be as bad as I think.

A few people have asked where I am. It's outer London.

It’s really fine Op. Buy them some fun ones and don’t show you’re worried.

In response to those who've said the masks will get damp over an extended period of time, yes, my children would go through about 3 or 4 reusable masks a day. They are not very expensive to buy unless you are looking for designer ones and I just put them in with the normal wash.

In response to those who've said their children wear glasses, yes, there are children with glasses in school and they are coping fine, DDs haven't been aware of any problems with their friends. They cope, they probably use the masks with the adjustable metal bit by the nose.

In response to those who think I am a nutter, I'll just leave this thought with you - It's not about survival of the fittest, it's about those who adapt best to change, they are not invincible but they recognise this, it's about protecting all in our society (civilisation) and protecting our limited hospital resources. Our hospitals are our last line of defence, we all are the first line of defence. Roll on Christmas 2025 - I don't want to see empty places at my dinner table or have my loved ones suffering from post-Covid syndrome.

But are the masks working in these other countries if their rates are going up too?

Working extremely well in Asia.

Doesn't it impact on communication

Isn't that a risk worth taking in the BB middle of a global pandemic.

A bit of focus on how to minimise the risks teachers are undergoing wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Yes of course it has an impact on learning. The teacher can't hear the children properly, or tell who spoke. And subjects like languages are all about communication. And masks are uncomfortable. Poor kids.

I tell you what will definitely impact on learning...being sent home for two weeks. Or having teachers off for two weeks. Communication will be a lot harder then!

Local secondaries in our area are losing several members of a department at once, in one case a whole department of 8! I dont believe masks are perfect but there seems to be good reproducible evidence that they reduce transmission.

And as we head further into winter anything that can help is preferable in my opinion, otherwise it wont be long before we back to home learning....at least round here.

@NC4NW123

Oh these comments make me despair 😩 can’t these poor children be allowed some sort of normality.

Its not normal though. They should be wearing them.

Is it part of a deal where if a child gets covid, they only send them and who they sat next to them at lunch home?

If so, I think I would reluctantly accept that deal.

Which school is this? Is it a state school?

@sunflowers246

Which school is this? Is it a state school?

Yes, state school. Would rather not name it on a public forum.

It's a perfectly sensible policy. As a head, you basically have to choose which negative consequences you can live with and then make a choice.

NC4NW123
Oh these comments make me despair 😩 can’t these poor children be allowed some sort of normality.

Don’t be so over dramatic - Why would you despair? Children wearing a mask would protect their teachers and classmates. Masks are going to be around for a long time.

We've been wearing masks in class for ages - both before and after the holidays. It's a non- issue and you quickly get used to it.

I can’t believe people on this thread saying this is a good thing. NO ITS NOT.

If they did this at my child’s school, I’d take her out. Ffs

A few of my pupils are choosing to wear them in lessons, which is fine, but it does make it hard to hear them across the classroom when they answer a question, or ask something.

My cousin is a doctor who’s also researched infectious diseases. He has worked in one of the worst affected Covid hospitals. And he says masks will do little to stop the spread. I believe him more than I do government propaganda. I am not saying there is no virus but something else is going on that they’re not telling us. Nothing adds up.

I think it's awful and kids shouldn't be made to wear them.

They inhibit communication and learning and they are dehumanising. i struggle to wear one for 20 minutes so I don't see why kids should be forced to wear them all day. Awful.

I cannot believe the comments against masks. No wonder rates are going up with this attitude! This isn't a 'normal' time. Just like kids had to get into bomb shelters in the war. Bet people weren't moaning then.. glad for safety.

My daughter (age 11) willingly wears hers, without complaint. It's a total non-issue. No impact to learning, no issue communicating, no issue understanding the teacher.

We should all be doing everything possible to protect pupils, teachers, the vulnerable and their families.

Yeah stuff all those second rate kids with SENs who need clarity of communication through speach quality, and non verbal communication. Or all that sensory distraction. It's not like they matter anyway and it's only a handful in each class. We'll let those nice normal kids plough on and open the gap even further.

It's not just wearing the mask themselves that's hindering. Their presence obscuring everyone else's communications has a negative impact too.

Every teacher is a teacher of SENs, and most of those children have had a rough deal in the past year anyway without additional problems caused while they are in the classroom with stupid policies like banning bags and then obliterating communication.

It was interesting shopping with DM last week. She couldn't understand the masky people in shops/ cafes at all. She could work out what the visor wearers were saying even though they are some degree of barrier to clear speech.

I can't believe that people have no issue with forcing kids to wear masks. I genuinely don't get that cavalier attitude - to hell with kids' learning experience and mental health and social interaction. All that matters is that I feel a bit safer.

Young people are being sacrificed in this pandemic and their education and future prospects are being thrown away - but no-one cares a jot.

@SugarbabyMilly

My cousin is a doctor who’s also researched infectious diseases. He has worked in one of the worst affected Covid hospitals. And he says masks will do little to stop the spread. I believe him more than I do government propaganda. I am not saying there is no virus but something else is going on that they’re not telling us. Nothing adds up.

Masks won't stop the virus. Social distancing won't stop the virus. Hand washing won't stop the virus. However, each of them will mitigate against its spread. If we all practiced social distancing, effective hand washing and correct mask wearing, it would go a long way towards beating the virus.

Do you subscribe to nonsensical conspiracy theories generally or is this the only one?

I think it’s ridiculous that they aren’t wearing them in Secondary classrooms everywhere.

Yeah stuff all those second rate kids with SENs

Yeah because non of them might also medically vulnerable. Who care if they die as long as they can hear their teacher clearly?

DD has two friends. One lives with extremely vulnerable medical twins and medically vulnerable sole parent shes terrified. One is living in Grandparent care and DS is already home schooling when shielding wasnt extended. All three have asked to wear masks in class and not there not allowed. Just being in school is taking a mental toll.

And yes tgere are solid studies that show they prevent/reduce the spread. It's just our shit show of a government wont do it.

It’s not recommended by the DfE. So why are they doing so now?