Government has failed to evaluate potential harms to pupils

[1stMrsF]

It's been reported in the Telegraph and Daily Mail that PHE "did not consider" the negative health impacts of requiring children to wear facemasks in the classroom.

Nick Gibb, Minister for School Standards questioned about this today commented that children 'didn't seem to mind' wearing masks, even though the Government's own survey found that 80% of children are struggling to communicate wearing a mask and more than 50% felt it was affecting their ability to learn.

The government cannot produce any evidence that the benefits of this policy outweigh the potential harms, as the scientific evaluation hasn't been done. Whilst it's possible (but not confirmed) that face coverings in schools will be removed in Step 3 of the government roadmap, this will be at the earliest from 17 May, still 3 weeks away. The government has not confirmed under what criteria this measure will be removed, so still has the ability to push out this date, nor has it ruled out any future reintroduction.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that wearing mask for prolonged periods can have a negative impact on physical and mental health, especially in children who are more susceptible to the effects.

This article collates information from 44 experimental studies and 65 publications on the side effects of face masks. A wide variety of statistically significant confirmed side effects and dangers are reported and the article notes “Children are particularly vulnerable and may be more likely to receive additional harm” and “repeated exposure over longer periods is relevant. Long-term disease-relevant consequences of masks are to be expected.”

This study published in Germany where data was collected from a total of 25,930 children wearing a face mask for an average of 270 mins a day found that 68% reported impairments including irritability (60%), headache (53%), difficulty concentrating (50%), less happiness (49%), reluctance to go to school (44%), malaise (42%), impaired learning (38%) and drowsiness or fatigue (37%)

The government guidance for schools impels them to 'ensure face coverings are used where recommended' but makes them responsible for carrying out a risk assessment and consequently a legal case is being brought against a UK school and is in court tomorrow. Most schools will be unaware of this terrible position the Department for Education has put them in.

If you share my concerns, please write to your MP asking them to call for facemasks in the classroom to be removed immediately (no school needs a one week notice for this) and permanently, as we cannot continue with any measure for children in the knowledge that safety has not been evaluated.

You can also write to your school, making them aware of this issue. I have no doubt this policy has been implemented in good faith by schools who have dutifully followed all government guidelines without intending to harm children, but it is nonetheless their responsibility to safeguard the children in their care.

Personally I'd send my DD in in a full hazmat suit if it would help her overcome her anxiety. But it's too late for her now.

I’m so sorry Teen 🌷

It's OK Fools I have come to terms with it mainly. It's just threads like this whinging about facemasks which are helping to keep pupils and teachers in school and learning get to me.

I can imagine Teens. They annoy me too. I know all age groups have suffered and it’s not a competition but I have noticed that a lot of teens are really struggling with the transition to adulthood that is never easy but it’s really noticeable at the moment and the topic of conversation a lot with friends - especially those who have older DC as a comparison.

Anything at all that can be done to keep as many in school for as much as possible is a good thing in my book. It’s not just the education aspect, it’s their social development. I look forward to the day when discussions like this aren’t necessary and masks are a distant memory but I don’t feel we are there yet.

@noblegiraffe

Which vaccine is approved for use on children over 12?

I certainly don’t want masks indefinitely but arguing that May 17th is the right date because over 30s will have been offered the vaccine by then doesn’t follow.

Unlicensed use it is contained in the JCVI guidelines. The vast majority of children were taken out of the CEV category though as very few are at risk, so will apply to a small minority. The second point was not directed towards you but there are people saying it should continue long term, I can’t see that happening when we’re meant to be out of all restrictions soon. We’ve done so many vaccinations that I don’t see May as unrealistic but if it’s not then presumably they’ll go in June which is not much difference

I'll take a small negative association of mask wearing in secondary classrooms (with adjustments for hard of hearing students) over a massive negative association of remote learning (which despite the teachers greatest efforts is not the same as being in the classroom) and the social isolation caused by schools and/or bubbles closing.

The OP seemed keen for a discussion, wonder if they are coming back to engage in the points people are making?

DS doesn’t mind wearing a mask. He feels happier with some restrictions in place at school, especially when they first went back.

The OP seemed keen for a discussion

They absolutely didn't 😂

We’ve done so many vaccinations that I don’t see May as unrealistic

But we're talking specifically about schools here where the kids are unvaccinated (and I don't know any CEV 12+ year olds who have had one), 41% of teachers are unvaccinated (so won't be 3 weeks post vaccination by May 17th) and where infections spiralled out of control last time schools were open without masks. I know we also have LFT testing but those are the only two mitigation measures. There is no social distancing, unlike other places where people are currently wearing masks.

People who are arguing about masks indefinitely generally are talking about on the bus or whatever, not in schools.

When DfE update their guidelines I’d like them to outline the rationale and evidence base: both with respect to current covid risks to school staff and their families, and impact of masks on pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

@Dozer

When DfE update their guidelines I’d like them to outline the rationale and evidence base: both with respect to current covid risks to school staff and their families, and impact of masks on pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

The DfE has been completely useless from the start and has allowed teachers to take the full force of shit from their decisions.

Actually putting something down on paper (or whatever) would mean them actually taking some responsibility for their actions (or lack of)

@SoupDragon

The OP seemed keen for a discussion

They absolutely didn't 😂

No, really? I’,m absolutely shocked 😮😂

I know, right!

@noblegiraffe

We’ve done so many vaccinations that I don’t see May as unrealistic

But we're talking specifically about schools here where the kids are unvaccinated (and I don't know any CEV 12+ year olds who have had one), 41% of teachers are unvaccinated (so won't be 3 weeks post vaccination by May 17th) and where infections spiralled out of control last time schools were open without masks. I know we also have LFT testing but those are the only two mitigation measures. There is no social distancing, unlike other places where people are currently wearing masks.

People who are arguing about masks indefinitely generally are talking about on the bus or whatever, not in schools.

The vast majority of children who initially received a shielding letter no longer need to shield as it emerged that very few were at risk. It will only be offered to the most at risk (eg learning disabilities) although many did chose to keep shielding, I’d be surprised if there are many in mainstream. I agree that teachers should be prioritised and offered ASAP but if the figure is as high as 41% and only 21-39 without vulnerabilities not offered yet I presume there are quite a lot of refusers included in that number. Those who want it should definitely have the opportunity

Not refusers, Bungle. I’m unvaccinated, I booked my vaccine as soon as I was able and it’s still not for a week and a half.

Being ‘offered a vaccine’ isn’t the same as being vaccinated.

There is no social distancing, unlike other places where people are currently wearing masks.

This is a really important point that many people don’t seem to understand. Possibly they have been misled by unrealistic depictions of classrooms in the media with five or six passive looking children sitting two metres apart in a very big room.

Lets face it, most teachers are in the age range 22-62.
We have currently actually vaccinated down to 42 - only about half way down the actual teacher age range.
So although at first I was somewhat surprised that 41% of teachers are unvaccinated, when I thought about it, I was surprised it wasn't more like 50%.

I just want to tip my hat to noble giraffe for their unrelenting defence of common sense.

Cheers, working!

Teen it's probably because some councils broke ranks, went against the govt and gave their spare vaccines to teachers as keyworkers. Some of the younger teachers would have been vaccinated in group 6 as well.

@TeenMinusTests

Lets face it, most teachers are in the age range 22-62. We have currently actually vaccinated down to 42 - only about half way down the actual teacher age range. So although at first I was somewhat surprised that 41% of teachers are unvaccinated, when I thought about it, I was surprised it wasn't more like 50%.

It’s 40 now (over 30 in Northern Ireland) Plus anyone who is a carer, plus people who live with someone CEV, plus all CV, plus all CEV. According to the government 7 out of 10 adults have already had at least one vaccine.

Teachers have a low average age in the uk, which would explain why so few as a percentage have been vaccinated.

Bungle it's over 40 it be invited.
Just like Noble above, I've been invited, but cant get a slot until mid may. Well, I possibly could, but I wasnt prepared to drive 50 miles each way for it.

Where do you get the 7 out of 10 figure from? I thought that was doses, including second ones (so some people are in the figures twice), and the figure for at least one vaccine was in the 40s source

Bungle 65% of adults have now had one jab coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/vaccinations but you seem to be forgetting the vitally important fact that we have done vaccinations by age group from the top. There won't be many(any?) teachers in the 70+ age group which is why the % of teachers vaccinated is going to be lower than the overall percentage.
Yes there will be some group 6 teachers but not a significant number.

There has been something extraordinary like 95% uptake of the vaccine of those who have been offered it so far. (I accept that may be out of date and lower now age groups are lowering). It stretches credibility to think that teachers are going to have higher than average refusal rate considering the amount of people they have to mix with.

COVID-19 Vaccination Statistics Week ending Sunday 25th April 2021
(Latest weekly release)

www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/COVID-19-weekly-announced-vaccinations-29-April-2021.pdf

Of the 2,941,890 vaccinations reported in the week ending 25th April, around one-fifth (637,559) were first doses. This took the total number of people vaccinated with at least one dose as of 25th April to 28,153,756 (61.9% of the population aged 16 and over1).
 The majority of vaccinations reported in the week ending 25th April were second doses (2,304,331). This took the total number of people vaccinated with both doses as of 25th April to 11,001,440 (24.2% of the population aged 16 and over1 and 39.1% of those vaccinated).

I was rather surprisingly (it surprised the doctor too) able to book a second vaccination via the doctor’s website some weeks ago, so naturally I took it. My official appointment was 29th April (naturally I cancelled it).
I teach, I’m 67 and have a heart condition so I was very pleased to be fully vaccinated, but I wouldn’t be fully protected even now had I not taken the early opportunity for the second jab.