March 18, 2022
The last time my son walked the halls of his high school, he was just a fresh-faced freshman—much shorter and with smoother skin. Since returning full-time last September, mask mandates have only recently been lifted at his school, which has around 6,000 students. I was thrilled to send him off for the first maskless Monday, excitedly talking about how significant this moment was and how nice it would be to see the faces of his teachers. However, Joe decided to take his mask along “just in case.”
When he got home, I eagerly asked how his day went. He shrugged, as usual. “Did everyone take off their masks?” I probed. “About 80 percent kept them on,” he replied, prompting me to double-check because I initially thought he meant the opposite. “Did you keep yours on?” I inquired further. “Yeah,” he mumbled.
Wow. As reported by sources like The New York Times, many teens are hesitant to remove their masks.
Before the mandate was lifted, Joe had asked for a haircut and where my husband kept his razors, suggesting he was eager to reveal his face. Looking back, I realize it likely stemmed from typical teenage anxiety rather than excitement.
I reached out to a friend who teaches at Joe’s school and shared what Joe had said. He confirmed the trend: “I was ready to ditch my mask, but when I saw so many kids and teachers still wearing theirs, I felt awkward. It was disappointing.”
Joe mentioned that students are using the excuse of “Let’s see how the numbers go” regarding COVID rates, but I find that hard to believe. Teens are now old enough to be vaccinated, and the CDC estimates that a significant portion has already had COVID. While I generally support a cautious approach, we know that teens are not the most risk-averse group.
Revealing one’s face can be daunting for teenagers. Imagine not showing your face for two years and suddenly being expected to go maskless. Even adults appreciate the anonymity masks provide; many colleagues admit they enjoy wearing them while shopping to avoid the hassle of makeup.
So, I’ve decided to keep my opinions to myself and refrain from pressuring my son either way. I suspect he’s not wearing the mask solely for health reasons or as a safety statement. He tends to hunch over and pull his hoodie up, avoiding the spotlight. It’s a reminder of how challenging it can be to navigate adolescence. For now, I’m happy that he enjoys going to school, and I trust that one day, people will see his lovely face again.
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In summary, teens today are keeping their masks on not just for health reasons but also due to feelings of anxiety and the comfort of anonymity. As parents, we should support them as they navigate these challenges.
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