Limited Evidence on Face Masks and Children
The Claim
Face masks cause physical and psychological problems for children.
News posted on
Emerging story
In February 2021, a message warning about the danger of face masks on children started circulating online. A message circulating claims that face masks impede children's breathing and will work to concentrate a large amount of carbon dioxide in front of the respiratory tract. Which will lead children to re-breath dangerous gas, which will harm them.
Users claimed that face masks are not suitable for children under the age of 12 years, and dangerous for those under 6 years old.
A German study involving over 25,000 children also alleged the children's mask-wearing causes negative effects.
Misbar’s Analysis
According to Healthfeedback.org, To reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is important for children to practice the same precautionary measures as adults, such as mask-wearing, frequent handwashing, and physical distancing, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends.
Cloth face masks are safe for children over the age of two years old to wear, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is important for children to practice the same precautionary measures as adults, such as mask-wearing, frequent handwashing, and physical distancing, to limit the spread of COVID-19. While children are generally less likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms, some develop serious illnesses following mild cases of COVID-19, which is known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Furthermore, children can still transmit the virus to populations that are at risk for severe COVID-19, like the elderly, albeit with a lower probability than adults.
WHO reported that children should follow the same principles as for adults for wearing masks. This includes cleaning hands at least 20 seconds if using an alcohol-based hand rub, or at least 40 seconds if using soap and water, before putting on the mask.
Misbar's investigation didn't find any studies that support the circulating claim.
