Still no masks on primary school pupils?

[Kokeshi123]

Just that, really.

I have seen no updates on this since the news that said that they were "thinking" about requiring masks in the classroom for secondary school students.

Schools in a mess, hospitals backed up, is the UK STILL not getting masks on the kids? Pretty much every other country is doing this.

I don't see how you can with infant school age year r-2 tbh?
My almost 5 year old will wear one sometimes in the shop if she wants but won't keep it on?

How do you think 1 support staff member with up to 20 out of 30 pupils in a class in school as their parents are all apparently critical worker children in a class will keep masks on 4 year olds?

Maybe you could pop down to your you local primary and offer your services as a full time mask monitor?

Masks are not ok for primary age. Even secondary, I’d rather keep my DD12 at home permanently than force her to wear a mask all day long whilst trying to learn and socialise. I feel like I’m suffocating when I wear one to the shops etc and that’s only for a short amount of time.

We recently moved to a country which has managed the pandemic very well. All infant and junior school children wear masks and it really isn't a big deal. Most forget to take them off when they come home as they are so used to wearing them!

Agree OP, other countries manage it, and I'd rather have the slight discomfort of a mask than actually suffocate with covid. Teaching and support staff should at least be allowed them if they wish, as any other profession is advised.

Pretty much every other country is doing this

I know you said pretty much but Ireland aren’t. Secondary school kids have had masks all the time in class rooms etc except outside since September primary school no.

My point is it’s not nesssearilt needed for primary

Our secondary school requires children to wear a mask at all times unless eating or doing PE and has done since September. They've been really good on the whole Covid thing and have low numbers, dealt with quickly and efficiently. No cases since October.

Our primary school haven't made it a rule but have "strongly encouraged" children to wear them. Most do. They've had one positive test between last March and this week.

I also however know one kid who would be happy to wear a mask and has done.

I think secondary kids wearing it even in class rooms is a priority to be honest

@TheoSawUs

We recently moved to a country which has managed the pandemic very well. All infant and junior school children wear masks and it really isn't a big deal. Most forget to take them off when they come home as they are so used to wearing them!

This. From age six everyone has to wear a mask in class in the country I'm in. My kids got used to it pretty quickly. Will they be wearing them properly 100% of the time? Of course not but it's still better than no mask.

The idea that teachers aren't allowed to wear PPE is insane to me! Everyone has to wear PPE in public here.

Since some British adults can't wear a mask properly how do you expect a 5 year old to?

Though to be fair I've seen kids from 4 years old wearing masks. Though I suspect the younger ones continually touch it or take it off at inappropriate moments.

Hahaha you clearly don't have young kids op... Its hard enough getting them to wear a hat on holiday!

@Drinkarsefeck

Agree OP, other countries manage it, and I'd rather have the slight discomfort of a mask than actually suffocate with covid. Teaching and support staff should at least be allowed them if they wish, as any other profession is advised.

You say they manage it like its enforced properly... Big difference in asking someone to do something and them doing it.... You are also not supposed to touch the mask with your hands.... You really think kids are doing this?

My primary school aged children are at home now so a mute point......

BUT I would not be happy for my youngest to wear one all day.

The eldest would be able to manage it better. But if adults struggle then how can we expect a 5 / 6 year old to wear one all day.

I would struggle with that. I wear it when I need to but I don't necessarily put myself in situations where I need to wear one for long periods.

I think masks for primary school children should be the last step, after reducing class sizes, robust contact tracing, a clear and transparent policy on dealing with positive cases that doesn’t rely on the virus being stopped in its tracks by a seating arrangement, proper ventilation, temperature checks, and a robust system for switching seamlessly to online learning when days off are needed to isolate.

Our primary school haven't made it a rule but have "strongly encouraged" children to wear them. Most do. They've had one positive test between last March and this week.

DC primary school did not let kids wear masks & 0 positive tests......

In many countries even toddlers are wearing masks in the shops. I think it's time for year 3 and up unless sn

you clearly don't have young kids op

LOL. I have two kids. In the country where I am living, they all wear masks from age 6 except when playing outside. It's enforced for the 3-6yo as much as possible, though everyone accepts that they don't always wear them perfectly.

It works fine.

Other countries are managing this.

You are also not supposed to touch the mask with your hands.

We are not talking about operating theater conditions. It really does not matter if a civilian touches a mask with their hands. Really.

World Health Organisation advice is kids should wear them at school from 6. My primary aged kids have been wearing them and have coped fine. They wear them indoors but remove them when outdoors so get regular mask breaks. In fact DD often chooses to put hers back on outdoors because she finds it cosy when it’s cold!

I wear a mask all day for work too. I have asthma and it’s been fine. Much much better than the alternative.

It also might solve the critical worker issue. If some who dont need the place withdraw as they dknt want kids in masks.

My son is 10 and loves wearing a mask, he finds it cosy. I personally hated it to start with but tried a few different ones and am fine now. Most countries have children wearing them in school and most have far lower infection rates. I think we should drop attendance to 50% and rota too.

Gov claims education is a priority but have done very little to improve the transmission risks in schools.

It also might solve the critical worker issue. If some who dont need the place withdraw as they dknt want kids in masks.

This is exactly my thinking. Piss takers tend to be anti mask as well, in my experience.

Parents who are genuinely in a complete hole unless they send their kids in are likely to be fine with masks.