Let’s face it: the pandemic has been tough on everyone. We all long for a return to normalcy, and it’s understandable to feel fatigued, anxious, and overwhelmed. However, we must recognize that we are still navigating through this crisis. With children under 12 ineligible for vaccines, allowing the virus to spread unchecked could lead to overwhelmed hospitals and unnecessary loss of life. This is why public health authorities have recommended universal indoor masking for this school year.
It’s no surprise that some parents are frustrated with these guidelines. The “unmask our kids” movement has made its voice heard through social media and protests at school board meetings, with some seeking ways to bypass mask mandates. This has led to an increase in requests for mask exemptions. Many parents are desperately searching for doctors willing to provide notes exempting their children from wearing masks in schools. Reports indicate that some physicians comply, regardless of whether the child has a legitimate medical reason for not wearing a mask.
The reality is that there are very few legitimate medical reasons a child cannot wear a mask, even for extended periods like a school day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states, “Face masks can be safely worn by all children 2 years and older, including most children with underlying health conditions, with rare exceptions.”
Dear Pandemic, a Facebook group led by a team of women with backgrounds in public health and medicine, outlines the limited circumstances under which a child may qualify for a mask exemption. These include:
- Children under 2 years old
- A child who cannot easily put on or take off their mask
- A child who struggles to keep their mask clean
- A child with an injury or anatomical difference that makes mask-wearing harmful
The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital adds some additional potential exemptions, such as:
- Children with developmental delays
- Children with limited mobility
- Children with severe autism
This is a very short list of valid exemptions compared to the myriad reasons some parents give for their children not wearing masks.
Conditions like allergies, anxiety, heart issues, neurological disorders, and more do not exempt children from mask-wearing, according to Dear Pandemic. If a child experiences a breathing episode, such as an asthma attack, they should remove their mask during that time, but simply having a condition does not mean they cannot wear one. For children with communication differences, masks with clear mouthpieces can be a suitable alternative. Generally, most kids can learn to accept mask-wearing, even those with anxiety or sensory differences, if approached correctly.
If a child is well enough to attend school, they can safely wear a mask, regardless of other health issues. Even those with anatomical differences may use alternative coverings, such as bandanas, as noted by the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.
It’s important to debunk the myth that masks impede breathing or cause oxygen deprivation. These claims have been thoroughly disproven. You can read more about these misconceptions on the AAP’s website.
I completely understand parental concerns; my kids were remote learners last year, and I had my own worries about them wearing masks all day. However, after a month back in school, neither of them has complained about their masks—not once! In fact, they often forget they are even wearing them, which was a pleasant surprise. They are enjoying their time in school and recognize that masks are essential for keeping things running smoothly.
Teachers have echoed similar sentiments, noting that student complaints about masks are rare. It seems that the concerns primarily stem from parents rather than the kids themselves.
While no one claims that wearing a mask is enjoyable, very few scenarios exist where it could be harmful to a child. If we want to maintain safe schools and communities, masking remains the best option available for now.
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Summary:
While the pandemic poses challenges, most children can safely wear masks in school, with very few legitimate medical exemptions. Understanding the circumstances under which masks are appropriate can help parents navigate current guidelines and ensure the safety of children and communities.
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