Should children wear masks?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
Face masks provide a protective barrier over the nose and mouth to prevent droplet infection – virus-laden particles expelled from the mouth and nose while talking, sneezing, or coughing. This barrier is a key element in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic and its life-threatening symptoms affecting all ages now, even children, it is becoming increasingly important to use face masks. Face masks also protect others from getting infected from positive COVID-19 cases.
Parents are challenged with the task of getting their children to wear face masks. Each child has their own personality and may need to be dealt with differently. Most parents are in a dilemma as to how to make their children agree to wearing a face mask. My personal experience with my teenager is hearing ‘It’s not cool’, ‘It’s ugly’ and ‘I look weird’, although my six-year-old nephew loves to wear it as he thinks he is Batman! All parents must use their judgement and decide on face mask usage according to:
- The place where they live. If they live in a state where areas have been marked as highly contagious and positive for COVID-19, then parents are encouraged to make their children wear a face mask each time they step outside their homes.
- Being a role model for children. Wearing a face mask, the proper way and encouraging their children to wear it such that it covers their nose and mouth, sits firmly and needs not be pushed up and down with fingers that may not be clean. Also, removing masks from behind without touching the front, and washing hands frequently especially before and after use of the face mask.
- Age of the children. Parents need not worry about putting on a face mask on children under two years of age as CDC does not recommend it due to risk of suffocation. There will be a need for added caution accordingly.
- The places they visit. All toddlers, preschoolers and young children are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if they are out in public areas, especially in grocery stores, pharmacies or public places where a six-foot distance from other individuals will not likely be maintained. On the other hand, parents can give their children a break from wearing a face mask if they are out in an open place like a soccer field, a biking or hiking trial. Anyplace where a six-foot distance can be maintained from others, a time off from wearing a face mask can be taken.
- Sickness in the home. If someone at home is sick, they must be isolated from the rest of the household and ideally not visited by children. But if a child’s getting near the sick household member is unavoidable, a proper face mask must be worn.
- Personality of the children. Parents/guardians would know best how to convince children to wear face masks properly when needed. For toddlers and young children online Disney characters and cartoons can prove useful. For other children, a reward system in the form of favorite treats, stickers or games can also work.
Parent must understand the importance of wearing a face mask properly and sharing the importance with a good clear explanation to their children is most needed, to effectively control the fatal COVID-19 pandemic.