Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

My son will be 11 soon.

35 replies

KCee30 · 02/01/2022 17:44

Ds is 10, 11 in a couple months.

In the U.K age 11 us wear masks wearing becomes compulsory right? He's still in primary obviously, so not at school but in shops etc?

Hoping we will be in a better place by the spring.

He is on the spectrum so I guess that makes him exempt if he struggles but I'm trying.

I've tried to get him to wear one. But it really distresses him and he ends up constantly touching his face to move it around which really defeats the purpose.

He doesn't like anything near his face - hats, scarves, hair cuts, glasses etc. When we go tie the dentist he won't wear the goggles they give you!

I'm hoping by the time he goes to secondary school things will be better!

Fingers crossed 🤞

Any tips?

OP posts:
Original poster
KCee30 · 02/01/2022 17:45

To add, he looks much younger than 10/11 so would probably get away with not being asked to wear one in shops etc for a good while but it's the fact he will be 11 soon!

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 02/01/2022 17:46

He is excempt so I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Bizawit · 02/01/2022 17:46

If it causes him distress he is exempt . No need to try to force him, it’s really not worth it . Also, as you say, surely things will be different by spring. God help us if it’s not!

Cherrytart23 · 02/01/2022 17:47

No one I'd going to stop you and ask his age or for proof of birth date.
I really wouldn't worry about it.

Hairyfriend · 02/01/2022 17:47

One of those plastic visors?

SouthOfFrance · 02/01/2022 17:47

Isn't it 12 in England? Or are you taking about Wales/Scotland/N.Ireland?

I don't think anyone will pass comment on a young person without a mask, and surely school will understand

autumnboys · 02/01/2022 17:48

Get him an exemption lanyard. It sounds like a seriously awful sensory experience for him. I would avoid shops where you can.

My 12yo is autistic and likes wearing a mask, but if he didn’t, that’s what I would be doing. We also vaccinated him (which he was happy with) as soon as we could.

Herald44 · 02/01/2022 17:49

If he's a) exempt and b) wouldn't actually benefit from wearing one (can't stop touching etc) then why would you? Certainly don't do it because of the attitudes of others. Making him wear one wouldn't protect him or anyone else and would also cause distress. No point. Its a no brainer for me

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 02/01/2022 17:51

Don't worry about it, he won't be the only exempt person in class / the shops not wearing one. If it causes him distress its not worth it, several students in each of my classes don't wear them for various medical reasons he won't be alone

Original poster
KCee30 · 02/01/2022 17:52

Thanks all. I wouldn't force him but worried people will judge but he does look younger anyway.

He does look younger as I said but I feel like he gets looks off some people in shops for not wearing a mask off people that don't seem to realise kids don't need them.

I can't see what difference not wearing one now and when he turns 11 makes tbh! I know you need to draw the line somewhere.

He's just had covid but he didn't catch it from
Not wearing a mask. Me and dp had it. He was very mildly poorly.

We can only hope things will be better soon! 🤞

OP posts:
RevolvingPivot · 02/01/2022 17:53

I've never heard this my dd is 11. She wears one in secondary school but not in the shops?

RedCandyApple · 02/01/2022 17:53

My daughter is 11 in March, no way am I putting one on her she wouldn’t cope she is autistic, she looks much older than 10 though and we’ve never had any comments

RedCandyApple · 02/01/2022 17:54

@RevolvingPivot

I've never heard this my dd is 11. She wears one in secondary school but not in the shops?
Only child under 11 are exempt, enough that was well known?
RevolvingPivot · 02/01/2022 17:54

Also I'm autistic and wear one but obviously that's my choice.

RevolvingPivot · 02/01/2022 17:55

I had no idea 11 year olds had to wear a mask.

RedCandyApple · 02/01/2022 17:56

My post made no sense, I thought* not enough, they have to draw the line at some age.

VictoryLap · 02/01/2022 17:57

Don't even spend another minute worrying about it - he's exempt. My son is technically exempt so I bought some badges before the lanyards became a thing, but he was more bothered by a badge/lanyard than a mask so he now just wears a mask.
He wears a Buff/snood type one which is fabric and feels more like a piece of clothing. Not as effective but 🤷🏼‍♀️
I've told him he doesn't have to wear one but he wants to.

RevolvingPivot · 02/01/2022 17:59

@RedCandyApple

My post made no sense, I thought* not enough, they have to draw the line at some age.
I can't see that post now
Northernsoullover · 02/01/2022 18:03

My son has autism and manages. He did struggle at first but we built it up by making it into a challenge. Obviously every child is different and if your son becomes very distressed he doesn't have to.

Bizawit · 02/01/2022 18:05

Ugh it is appalling how judgemental some people are, but it’s their issue not yours. Your son’s well-being comes first. Always ❤️

herecomesthsun · 02/01/2022 18:07

DS is awaiting assessment for autism and actually quite likes hiding behind a mask.

We tried out a few and went with the one he found most comfortable (FFP2)

RedCandyApple · 02/01/2022 18:13

Just because some people’s autistic children can wear masks doesn’t mean others can 🙄

herecomesthsun · 02/01/2022 18:24

No it doesn't, but it does mean that some can find accommodations which suit them Smile

BellatricksStrange · 02/01/2022 18:33

He just shouldn't wear one. They do FA, and omicron is in almost all cases no worse than a cold. Certainly for vaccinated folk.

BlowDryRat · 02/01/2022 18:37

My DS is 11 and it's a struggle to get him to wear a mask, keep it on or wear it properly. TBH I often don't bother having the argument and no one has ever questioned it or given us grief.

Your DS is exempt so don't worry about it.