All children over the age of 5 are required to use face coverings just as the adults do in shops, enclosed spaces, on public transport and anywhere where the social distancing measures can not be applied.
Should children wear face masks?
Although globally, the youngest population seems to be less affected by the COVID-19 spread, children are required now to wear face masks in most countries. Whilst some people may question its need in children, the vast majority approves of these measures.
The recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that children between 6-11 should use face masks under adult supervision, whilst the ones aged 12 and above need to wear their protective masks just like the adults do.
Reasons why children should wear face masks:
- Children easily carry viruses between households, affecting adults and vulnerable people.
- Social distancing is, without a doubt, the most impossible target to achieve for youngsters.
- Attending a playgroup, nursery, or school can lead to mixing with children who might carry airborne viruses (SARS, COVID-19, flu).
- Children tend to touch their faces more times than adults do, thus spreading germs around the nose, mouth and eye area.
- Highly sociable and effusive, children will hug their relatives or preferred people (babysitter, teacher, neighbours) before thinking about illnesses.
- Some children might have unknown underlying health conditions
The best face mask for children
Buying a suitable face covering for kids is as important as buying one for an adult. This means that attention should be given to the materials used in the mask, its conformity with the WHO recommendation of FFP2 grade and the sizing (adjusted for smaller faces).
Children can wear disposable or reusable face masks.
The disposable face masks are made of non-woven material and have three layers to offer protection from spreading viruses. They need to be disposed of in bins immediately after use (one use only), and hygiene measures should be taken: washing hands or sanitizing.
Some shops sell disposable face masks for kids with cute designs to make them more attractive, made from non-allergenic material wrapped individually in packs. These are great for wearing as they are soft and don’t slip easily from the face, offering protection from respiratory viruses.
Advantages of using disposable kids face masks :
- Made of softer materials
- Breathable
- 3 ply and have FFP2 grade
- Good filter system
- Have a good grip
- Come in individual packs
- No washing up is needed
Disadvantages of using disposable kids face masks:
- Might seem costly
- Disposed inappropriately, may spread viruses and bacteria
- Create more waste
Reusable face masks for children can be made at home from cotton (old t-shirts). This could be an interesting project for both parent and child. They can be customized in terms of fabric, colours, designs, and size.
The best thing about a cloth face mask for kids is that it could prove more cost-effective because it allows multiple usages by washing. Attention should then be paid to how hygiene is maintained during the mask’s wear, removal, and washing.
The advantages of reusable face masks for kids:
- Pieces of fabric can be found at home
- A larger variety of materials, colours and patterns can be found
- Can be infused with antimicrobial substance (found in pharmacies)
- Affordable
- Reduce waste
- Can be reused after washing and drying
The disadvantages of reusable face masks for kids:
- Children might remove them less carefully, contaminating other surfaces/clothes
- Thin materials are used to reduce the protective level
For children suffering from underlying health conditions, the option of wearing a medical mask that offers enhanced protection to the wearer.
The best masks for school kids
Going back to school seems a harder task now more than ever. The pressure of the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic wave has affected children as much as it had its toll on adults.
At school, children are more exposed to all kinds of contagious illnesses and viruses. The government understood the need to wear a face mask in cramped areas such as the school corridors and approved it for the beginning of the school year.
When choosing a mask for school-aged children, consider the school’s uniform policy and the requirements in terms of colours, patterns, and written logos or slogans. In general, schools don’t approve of anything with slogans on it. The best option is to choose a simple, non-branded cloth mask in black/white or a disposable face mask.
Parents should decide what type of mask is more suitable based on the child’s age and understanding of how to use the cover. For example, smaller children might be better off using disposable face coverings packed individually.
Teenagers could wear fabric face masks, although we all know that they can be as messy as the younger kids 🙂
How to dispose of a face mask
After wearing a disposable face mask, children should be taught how to remove it and dispose of it in the bin without touching any other surfaces. They should also be reminded of the importance of following this by washing their hands (for 40 seconds) or disinfecting with hand gel (20 seconds).
In school, children should have paper towels or paper tissues with them, which they can use to take their masks off and wrap the masks before throwing them in the rubbish bin.
How to store the reusable face masks
Storing a reusable face mask is an important step to teach children before going back to school. They need to know how to remove the mask by pulling the straps rather than the front of the mask and placing it in its storage without risking any contamination to the inside area.
Face masks can be placed in zip-up plastic bags, plastic wallets, or plastic pencil carriers.
At home, the washed and ironed masks can be kept in plastic bags. A good idea is to place a few dried lavender flowers in the bags to give the cloth a pleasant smell that lasts over the day.
All children should be taught to follow a good washing and disinfecting routine that should be kept throughout the day. Maintaining clean hands, avoiding touching the face, keeping the mask on the face, and covering both the mouth and the nose are all important steps that everyone should follow to avoid spreading all airborne viruses.
