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Original poster

Masks in classrooms secondary

517 replies

Hummmmming · 01/01/2022 23:01

www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/01/schools-in-england-told-wear-masks-in-class-as-fears-mount-of-omicron-surge?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Until the 26th of January

OP posts:
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10
sweetkitty · 02/01/2022 00:09

I work in a SEN primary school the children don’t wear masks but we do, although often they’ll pull it down to kiss or rub my face as they like to see my face and smiles.

As for my secondary aged DC they just get on with it would much rather they wore a mask than be at hone learning would do anything than have to go through that again. I worked full time throughout the last lockdown so it was up to DH who was working full time at home to home school it was a nightmare. I was trying to go home at 3pm and help DC but they had to post work by 12 noon everyday Confused we had 2 in exam years it was horrible. I am thankful everyday the schools stay open.

BewareTheLibrarians · 02/01/2022 00:13

I came across this the other day - a good trick for making surgical masks fit smaller faces. I’ve tried this on ds (10) and it makes adult surgical masks fit him with no gaps anywhere. And it makes a kind of air “pocket” in front of your nose so it’s easier to breathe and glasses don’t fog up so quickly. Also brilliant for me as I have a ridiculously small head. Blush

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 02/01/2022 00:13

If this is true, I am very pleased. Even if it only stops some transmission, it will help whilst cases are so high again and the guidance can change when numbers fall.

It would be helpful for KS2 children to wear masks too. After that, the next step is to get those air filters into classrooms!

Theonlyoneiknow · 02/01/2022 00:32

@MumbleCrumbs

I know it's the right thing to do, but I feel so desperately sorry for DD(13) she has aspergers and her glasses getting steamed up/the sensation of the mask on her face etc causes her so much distress. She also won't use any exemption as she doesn't want to stand out Sad. The whole thing is a bloody mess and I can't believe we're back here again.
I can totally sympathise. My DS is the same except we are in Scotland so been wearing masks since he started high school He hates it but will stand out even more if he doesn't and it is so hard for him to transition without being the obvious odd one out :(
LadyIckenham · 02/01/2022 00:48

@MumbleCrumbs I also sympathise/empathise. My DD doesn't wear glasses but does have the same issue of really struggling with the feel of the mask (ASD) but not wishing to stand out by now wearing one.

She doesn't go back to school until Thursday. She will struggle to sleep until then once she finds out.

LadyIckenham · 02/01/2022 00:49

@Theonlyoneiknow, sorry, I just saw your message too. Sympathies with your Ds too. It must be so hard when just starting out at secondary.

halcyondays · 02/01/2022 00:55

@dementedpixie

Meh, they've had to wear them for months in Scotland. Was supposed to be up until the October break last year but was extended and still not been ended
Same in NI. I know mine would rather wear than go back to home learning for months. I do think it stops some transmission.
echt · 02/01/2022 01:03

@user1471443411

I'd rather have secondary schools closed for a couple of months than bring this in, just thinking of the children's comfort.
The government has said schools would be the last places to close, so are you in favour of lockdown because masks are uncomfortable for children?

They are uncomfortable for everyone.

halcyondays · 02/01/2022 01:04

They both prefer the feel of cloth masks but only certain ones that they find comfortable. Tried several different ones and the favourites are from DesignedbyTina on Etsy, cotton multi layer with a nose wire.

Watapalava · 02/01/2022 01:15

Its a fuking disgrace

More so that people are not up in arms

Hundreds can pack in night clubs, hugging and dancing pissed up all night but kids wear masks all day

You in favour are a disgrace and should be ashamed that you sold your kids off for this whilst adults do what they want

TinaYouFatLard · 02/01/2022 01:16

Terrible. Poor kids. When will this ever end for them?

ThievesTemple · 02/01/2022 01:27

Totally support this, if we want to keep schools open there has to be mitigations in place. This and windows open us all we’ve got until they invest in other measures.
My daughter and her friends are all quite happy to wear masks. It’s parents who seem to make all the fuss, not including those who are exempt.
Mask wearing in schools is the same in every country and I think most people want some protection for their children and the poor teachers.

toomuchlaundry · 02/01/2022 01:32

DS has never complained about having to wear a mask at school, I do think it is the adults who make the most fuss about it. Doesn’t complain about the LFTs either (has to do them for work as well).

JanglyBeads · 02/01/2022 01:39

@Watapalava although I don't agree with your language I do agree with your main point - of course night clubs should be closed at this point.

The kids will cope.

halcyondays · 02/01/2022 01:49

Nightclubs are already closed if you’re not in England. They’re only open still there because they don’t want to pay out financial support. They were about the last thing to reopen in most places.

walksen · 02/01/2022 01:49

Honestly feel this advice seems a bit like tokenis, just like the co2 monitors and 7000 air cleaning units

Many scientists have stated that cloth masks etc are pretty useless against omicron.
Unless it is legally required rather than advisory it can't really be enforced.

Given what we know about how transmissable Omicron is and the reduced effectivness of jabs together with increased chance of re
Infection it is going to cause chaos through schools this month never mind this half term.

echt · 02/01/2022 02:04

@Watapalava

Its a fuking disgrace

More so that people are not up in arms

Hundreds can pack in night clubs, hugging and dancing pissed up all night but kids wear masks all day

You in favour are a disgrace and should be ashamed that you sold your kids off for this whilst adults do what they want

Those in favour of/not objecting to masks in schools are not in charge of government decisions about other places.
noblegiraffe · 02/01/2022 02:06

They can't cancel exams if they haven't at least made some attempt at mitigation measures.

This leaves that door open for them.

Jeez, they must be really worried about what's coming.

echt · 02/01/2022 02:39

I agree that the government always likes to appear to have done something, albeit not enough and too late. That's why masks are the go-to: they cost the government nothing, though they have have challenged their efficacy in schools up to now. Hmm

Gits.

😷

RichTeaRichTea · 02/01/2022 06:19

@blameitonthecaffeine

You’re right, a fabric mask won’t stop it but it helps. That’s why European countries are insisting on FFP2 or higher for all, not even a surgical is acceptable and they accept far less exemptions than us and you have to prove it not just self declare

Yes, I would feel more support for this is it was FFP2 masks as that would have a real health benefit to counter the educational negatives.

However, I just looked on Amazon to see if I could get any and it's £25 for a pack of 20 and they're disposable! That's a 3 week supply for one person - way too much money for most people, I'm sure.

My understanding from relatives in another European country is that schoolchildren don’t always wear FFP2 masks in the classroom (even if they are mandated elsewhere in that country) - surgical masks are acceptable (possibly for those who have been vaccinated). So I’m not sure how true it is that “European countries are insisting on FFP2 or higher for all” in the context of schools
MarshaBradyo · 02/01/2022 06:22

@Watapalava

Its a fuking disgrace

More so that people are not up in arms

Hundreds can pack in night clubs, hugging and dancing pissed up all night but kids wear masks all day

You in favour are a disgrace and should be ashamed that you sold your kids off for this whilst adults do what they want

It is sad I agree, although I don’t blame nightclubs atm - mostly for young adults who have been hit hard too
rainrainraincamedowndowndown · 02/01/2022 06:52

Anything that may help keep children and staff safe is good, isn't it?

WorstXmasEver · 02/01/2022 06:56

It'll get a lot worse when the kids go back. Masks are sensible.

tootyfruitypickle · 02/01/2022 07:09

What's the process for an exemption? I've had enough. DD's asthma is not well controlled (after getting covid due to the delays in vaccinating kids) and although I'm sure she will do her best to wear a mask I want to make sure she doesn't have to if she's struggling with her breathing (which is most of the time). I know masks don't reduce oxygen but struggling to breath while having a mask on your face isn't nice .

kickupafuss · 02/01/2022 07:17

I can’t help thinking that this is just the start of it. My DC don’t mind wearing masks in school but why hasn’t more been done to improve ventilation? Everyone has been allowed to do what they want and now I’m afraid our children are the ones who will be made to suffer.