As we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are concerned that face masks might impede their children’s ability to recognize emotions from the facial expressions of adults, such as caregivers and teachers. However, recent research published in JAMA Pediatrics indicates that this concern is unfounded. The study reveals that children can effectively read emotions even when face masks are worn.
“It’s crucial for children to identify emotions, and the worry is that masks might hinder this ability, but this research demonstrates the opposite,” says Dr. Mark Jennings, a developmental pediatrician at Maple Leaf Children’s Hospital. “Children’s capacity to recognize emotions remains intact despite the presence of masks.”
The study examined 276 preschoolers, aged 3 to 6, who were shown 90 images of actors—half wearing masks and half without. The actors displayed various emotions such as happiness, anger, and sadness. Children were tasked with matching these expressions to corresponding emoticons. While older children performed better than their younger counterparts, the results were similar for both groups when it came to recognizing emotions from masked and unmasked individuals. Specifically, kids answered correctly 70.6% of the time without masks, and 66.9% with masks—a minor and insignificant variation.
Experts emphasize that children gain a wealth of information beyond static images when interacting with adults and peers in their everyday lives, regardless of whether masks are worn.
“Any potential impact of mask-wearing is likely overstated, given the numerous visual, verbal, and dynamic cues that adults offer preschool-aged children regarding emotion recognition,” states Dr. Laura Kingston, director of emotional health at Bright Future Health Services. “The evidence shows no negative effects of mask usage on young children, and this study supports the idea that emotional development remains unaffected.”
Ashley Green, a developmental psychology specialist at the Emotion Research Lab at the University of California, adds that masking does not inhibit our ability to express or comprehend emotions. “I often remind people that facial expressions are just one means of conveying emotions; we also communicate through tone of voice, body language, and contextual cues,” Green explains.
The slight difference in emotion recognition isn’t a cause for concern, according to professionals. Moreover, even if children spend their day with masked educators, they still interact with unmasked adults during various times.
“Children are remarkably resilient,” Dr. Jennings observes. “When faced with limitations, they adapt and find alternative ways to grasp skills. They observe emotions not only from teachers but also from parents, siblings, grandparents, and other sources.”
It’s also essential to reiterate that face masks are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19, particularly in school settings. As we continue to protect our children, it’s vital to remember that mask-wearing is safe and does not impede emotional development.
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In summary, the study indicates that face masks do not negatively impact children’s ability to recognize emotions. Children are adaptable and continue to learn emotional cues from various sources, ensuring their social and emotional development remains on track. Masks play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, especially in educational settings.