Apparently Face covering is not mandatory for teens ?

[SpringisSpinning]

I am so fed up, I thought it was ?

I know primary schools are excluded in England - my point was that mask wearing is potentially problematic for a number of reasons, but on the whole it could reduce transmission. I was saying I'm torn about it.

However, secondary schools refusing to allow children in without a mask, in breach of national guidance, would end up with a swift rollicking from the Regional Schools Commissioner for non compliance. And if masks are made mandatory as a school rule as you suggest above, the only option schools have to enforce it is by refusing to allow kids into school without masks, and that is non compliant. If not exxlusion/refusal to allow into school, how else could you enforce it? Logically, therefore, schools can't mandate it. It would fall into unfair exclusion territory.

If a child without a mask is offered one on arrival and they refuse to wear it, then what difference is that to be sent home for refusing to turn up in uniform? Or being sent home for spitting at someone or otherwise being antisocial for no good reason?

If only the government had made it mandatory for wearing a mask in schools, face to face teaching could have recommenced months ago as in other countries.

^^ Parker I rarely agree with you but I do here. It would have made things so much safer in the lead up to xmas as well.

I cannot fathom at all what the big deal is, its short term, students who are exempt can be, add some breaks into lessons to get the students out - air rooms with doors open etc - done!

@AfternoonToffee

Students who are exempt (Eg those known to have asd) and those who believe they have an exemption could go to student support and get a badge like a prefect type one to attach to their lanyard.

Yes my DS just has a small sticker on his ID badge. I think people would almost be disappointed at the lack of angst in getting this sorted for him.

🤣🤣🤣

I know right.

I'm sure there's a bunch of people lurking in a cupboard somewhere wanting to scream a sticker or badge singles them out. They shouldn't have to explain or prove it etc etc blah blah.

No one actually seems to realise of you weren't wearing a mask it's pretty noticeable in 2021 and the badge etc is just evidence you are actually exempt and not a twat.

Do secondary schools still use isolation? Are they using it in covid times?

I guess if kids refuse to follow rules set under a RA they can't be sent to isolation.

Added benefit that all those who don't care about risks are only risking each other!

If only the government had made it mandatory for wearing a mask in schools, face to face teaching could have recommenced months ago as in other countries.

Where do you think we’d be with cases now if they had done this?

Hard to know. But how effective is it

@MarshaBradyo - only one way of finding out.

Good. I don't want my daughter in a mask 6 hours a day, our kids have had to sacrifice enough over the last year.

I've read all the trials from source and face masks are pretty useless anyway. There's only ever been something like 2 randomised controlled trials in the community ever, the paucity of evidence is breath taking.

[quote Walkaround]@MarshaBradyo - only one way of finding out.[/quote]
Yep I guess we’ll see soon

@MarshaBradyo - or we will if people aren’t twatty about it and insist it is their human right to do what they want.

It is a very important issue which obviously divides the nation. The state has said teenagers don't have to wear a mask in schools and cannot be refused entry because of that. So if enough simply refuse then schools will have such a stand off and legal action schools will have to back down.

Had the state said the opposite of course it would be different matter.

However the legislation is not yet published - I check every day - similarly for the other 8 March changes (and the 29 March weddings allowed again rules etc)

@LolaSmiles

spikey I know they will not wear masks in corridors nor the places around the school like loos or the canteen without constant reminding to do so It depends on the school. Part of my job involves going across schools and some schools the vast majority of students have been brilliant with wearing masks, sanitizing their hands and have been a damn sight more mature and reasonable than many posters on MN about the whole situation. Others have more of a patchy success rate with a bit more "you can't make me... my mum says I don't have to... why should I?" attitude.

On the whole I've been quite impressed with how students have handled things.

Now you mention it, I've seen better compliance from many teenagers than I've seen from some adults.

Urghh...so many parents saying ‘I don’t want my child in a mask all day blah blah’

Well quite simply, I don’t want my ECV child catching Covid thanks. I want others to help protect and be responsible.

What’s this ‘don’t worry darling, you don’t have to’ teaching our kids?? Ahh you don’t fancy it, it might be a bit uncomfortable? Well let’s kick off, refuse to do it and do what we like!!
Good parenting??

It is teaching our children about freedom. it is very important.

However the legislation is not out yet so that will be the key to this as it prevails over the guidance.

I don’t understand why U.K. children (and their parents) can follow straightforward instructions. My friends children in the US (and other European countries) have to wear masks during class from kindergarten. No mask = no attendance at school. They have been back in full time f2f teaching since September.

The new UK rules will say masks are voluntary so pupils will be following what they think is best. If the state wants to make them mandatory then it can do so just is it has made them mandatory for those who are not exempt in shops.

Thankfully most teenagers seem better at wanting to protect their friends than some adults.

The point isn’t really about human rights or denial of the virus, it’s that the rule is pointless.
Masks, particularly for teenagers and the inevitable ways in which they will wear them (same mask on and off, touching it all the time etc) do not provide any documented benefits.

Yes, that's what I'm wondering. Masks get hot and damp, kids fiddle with them, they take them off for lunch or sports then touch them again to put them on.... they impair communication and facial expressions etc.
Perhaps that's why the Government hasn't made them mandatory in classes?