The ongoing pandemic has posed significant challenges for everyone, and the yearning to return to normalcy is palpable. We’re feeling fatigued, stressed, and overwhelmed. However, the reality is that we are still in the midst of a health crisis. With children under 12 not yet eligible for vaccines, allowing the virus to spread unchecked could lead to overwhelmed hospitals and unnecessary fatalities. That’s why the CDC has strongly recommended universal indoor masking for schools this year.
Not surprisingly, some parents have expressed strong opposition to this mandate. The movement advocating for “unmasking our children” has been particularly vocal, frequently sharing their views on social media, protesting at school board meetings, and seeking loopholes to avoid mask requirements.
This has led to an increase in parents searching for medical professionals willing to provide mask exemption letters for their children. Reports indicate that some physicians are complying, regardless of whether there is a legitimate medical need for the exemption. However, it’s important to understand that very few medical conditions genuinely prevent children from wearing masks safely, even for extended periods, such as a full school day. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “Face masks can be safely worn by all children aged 2 years and older, including the majority of those with underlying health conditions, with rare exceptions.”
Exemptions for Mask-Wearing
According to Dear Pandemic, a resource managed by a group of women with public health expertise, there are specific circumstances under which children may be exempt from wearing masks. These include:
- Children under the age of two
- Children who struggle to put on or remove their masks independently
- Children unable to keep their masks clean
- Children with injuries or anatomical differences that make mask-wearing harmful
The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital adds that other potential exemptions could include children with developmental delays, limited mobility, or severe autism. However, this is a very limited list compared to the various reasons parents often cite for their children’s inability to wear masks.
Conditions such as allergies, anxiety, heart problems, neurological disorders, blood disorders, cancer, and lung issues do not exempt a child from wearing a mask, according to Dear Pandemic. If a child is experiencing a breathing difficulty episode, such as an asthma attack, they should remove their mask during that time. Yet having the condition itself does not mean they cannot wear a mask. For children with communication differences, masks with clear mouthpieces are a viable option. Most children can learn to adapt to masks gradually, even those with anxiety or sensory sensitivities, if approached correctly.
Moreover, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital emphasizes that if a child is well enough to attend school, they should be able to wear a mask safely. Even those with anatomical differences may find alternative coverings, like bandana-style masks, suitable.
It’s worth noting that masks do not hinder breathing or cause oxygen deprivation—myths that have been debunked multiple times. The AAP has addressed and clarified these misconceptions in their resources.
I empathize with parental concerns; my own children were fully remote last year, and I had worries about their return to school and mask-wearing. However, after a month back, neither of my sons has voiced any complaints about their masks. In fact, they often forget they’re wearing them, and it hasn’t hindered their ability to socialize. They understand that masking is essential for keeping schools open and safe.
Teachers have noted that complaints about masks from students are rare; most concerns stem from parents rather than the children themselves. While no one claims that wearing a mask is enjoyable, the reality is that there are very few situations where it poses a risk to children. To keep our schools operational and our communities healthy, masking remains crucial.
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In summary, while concerns about mask-wearing for children are understandable, the evidence suggests that most children can wear masks safely in school settings. The limited exceptions to this rule highlight the importance of adhering to guidelines to protect our communities and ensure the safety of our children.
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