We understand that the pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. The desire for a return to normalcy is palpable, and the stress and trauma we’ve all experienced are significant. However, we are still navigating through these unprecedented times. With children under 12 not yet eligible for vaccinations, allowing the virus to spread unchecked could lead to overwhelmed hospitals and unnecessary loss of life. This is why the CDC has recommended universal indoor masking for schools this year.
It’s no secret that some parents are unhappy about these guidelines. The “unmask our kids” movement has gained traction, with many advocating their views on social media and protesting at school board meetings. A troubling trend has emerged where parents seek mask exemptions for their children, often turning to medical professionals for notes that exempt them from school mask mandates. Some doctors may comply, regardless of whether there is a legitimate medical reason.
However, the reality is that there are very few medical conditions that prevent children from wearing a mask, even throughout a school day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that “Face masks can be safely worn by all children aged 2 and older, including most children with underlying health issues, with rare exceptions.”
A Facebook group called Dear Pandemic, managed by a team of women with public health and medical backgrounds, offers a helpful overview of when a child might qualify for a mask exemption. According to them, the limited categories include:
- Children under the age of two
- A child who cannot easily remove or put on their mask
- A child unable 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 a few more potential exemptions, such as children with developmental delays, limited mobility, or severe autism. This is a notably short list of exemptions compared to the many reasons some parents claim their children can’t wear masks.
Conditions that do not exempt children from wearing masks, according to Dear Pandemic, include:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Heart conditions
- Brain conditions
- Blood disorders
- Cancer
- Lung disorders
- Communication differences
If a child is experiencing breathing difficulties, like during an asthma attack, they should remove their mask, but simply having a condition does not mean they cannot wear one. For children with communication differences, masks with clear mouthpieces may be a viable option. Generally, there are creative solutions to help children adapt to wearing masks; even those with anxiety or sensory differences can learn to tolerate them with the right approach.
When it comes to serious health issues such as cancer, heart problems, or lung conditions, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital emphasizes that if a child is well enough to attend school, they should also be able to wear a mask safely. Even children with anatomical differences could potentially use a bandana-style covering.
Common claims against mask-wearing, like the idea that they restrict breathing or cause oxygen deprivation, have been thoroughly debunked. You can find the AAP’s comprehensive rebuttal to these misconceptions here.
I empathize with the concerns of parents. My children were fully remote last year, and I shared worries about them wearing masks all day. I was particularly concerned about one of my sons who has both asthma and anxiety. However, after a month in school, neither of my kids have complained about their masks. In fact, they often forget they’re wearing them during breaks. They are thrilled to be back in school, and they recognize that wearing a mask is essential to making that happen.
Teachers have reported that complaints from students about masks are rare; it is often the parents who express concern, not the children. While no one claims that wearing a mask is enjoyable, the instances where it poses a risk to children are exceedingly rare. To keep schools open and communities safe, masking remains a vital option.
For more information, check out our other blog post on related topics here.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination and related practices, this resource is excellent.
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Summary:
In the ongoing pandemic, the CDC has recommended that all children aged 2 and older wear masks in school to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. While some parents seek exemptions for their children, very few medical conditions justify not wearing a mask. Most children, including those with underlying health issues, can safely wear masks. The benefits of masking outweigh the concerns, and creative solutions exist to help children adapt.