What are the lasting effects of masks on kids? What if some still want to wear them?
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In NC schools, the masks are off
Over two years into the pandemic, NC state agencies are now relaxing mask mandates. But not everyone may feel ready, while some may be relieved.
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Masks started this fight. Love or hate them, these NC parents aren’t going away.
What are the lasting effects of masks on kids? What if some still want to wear them?
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The effects of masks on children have been widely debated since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Some argued masks have little to no effect in stopping the spread of COVID-19, while others said they were necessary to keep the virus at bay.
With the mask mandate in Mecklenburg County expired and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ set to be lifted March 7, it’s now up to families to decide whether to ditch the face coverings or continue masking.
After nearly two years of masking, sanitizing and social distancing, it can be tough for parents to talk to their children about why something they’ve become accustomed to is no longer the standard.
Mental health experts say there are ways to approach the conversation to reassure children about their safety, and measures to take if they face bullying from their peers.
Were masks harmful physically or psychologically for children?
Although myths about masks — such as obstructing breathing or increasing carbon dioxide inhalation — were circulated on social media, those theories have been debunked over time by medical researchers.
Laura Armstrong, an assistant professor of psychological science at UNC Charlotte, explained there is no evidence that masks are psychologically harmful for children.
“It’s understandable that parents and professionals might be concerned about how wearing a mask might impact children’s mental health, their social and emotional skills, and even their speech and language development,” Armstrong told the Observer. “This is why researchers are examining these issues in a variety of ways.”
Although some studies have shown that masks can muffle sound, there’s no evidence that they interfere with children’s ability to learn language, Armstrong said.
While children have a harder time recognizing others emotions while wearing a mask, research suggests there’s no evidence that masking prevents kids from developing social or emotional skills.
“As we’re thinking about the research, we have to remember that a lot of these studies are conducted in highly controlled settings, she said. “But in real life, when we’re talking to another person and interpreting their emotions, we’re using multiple cues. When we communicate, we’re using facial expressions, tone of voice, hand gestures and body movements, and children do this as well.”
What are the lasting impacts of masking children?
Though research on the effects of masks on children is ongoing, Armstrong said, the lasting impact of them are likely to be positive.
As health experts have pointed out, masks played a major role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It also made in-person school and childcare possible during the pandemic, Armstrong noted.
“Children are highly adaptable,” she said. “With the support of responsive and caring adults, children can and often do adjust well to a variety of circumstances.”
Armstrong suggested the elevated rates of anxiety and depression children experienced during the pandemic can be attributed to remote learning — a time when kids were isolated from their peers.
“The weight of the evidence actually indicates that the masking policies had the potential to benefit rather than hurt children’s mental health,” Armstrong said.
When mandates end, how to talk about masks
When talking to children about masks after the mandate ends, Armstrong said it’s important to allow them to share their feelings, and that doing so could lead to less stress surrounding the pandemic.
“It’s normal for parents to worry that when they talk to their children about an issue, like masking or the pandemic, it might make it worse for their children or put unnecessary pressure on them,” Armstrong said. “But actually, the opposite is the case. When parents bring up these potentially difficult topics, it can actually help lessen children’s worry and anxiety.”
Armstrong offered the following tips on how parents can approach their children about masks in a way that’s supportive and encouraging for them:
Start the conversation by asking your child what they know or have heard about masks, in order to determine a starting point for the conversation. This allows you to correct any misinformation and encourage your child to ask questions you’ll be able to answer.
Validate your child’s emotions and help your child to manage them. As a parent, it’s common to use phrases like “don’t worry,” but this can result in children not sharing their emotions. It’s important to acknowledge a child’s emotions and let them know that feelings are okay.
Limit media exposure. Kids often see and hear what their parents watch and listen to, and the disagreement over mask policies could be upsetting to them.
What if my kid really wants to wear a mask?
Roberta Wilson, a clinical mental health counselor at Grace Christian Counseling in Charlotte, said families have the right to choose what’s best for them in regards to wearing a mask.
“Kids shouldn’t feel peer-pressured into wearing a mask or not wearing a mask,” Wilson said. “It’s a very individualized decision.”
What if my kid gets bullied for wearing or not wearing a mask?
Wilson, who is also a former teacher, said parents should talk to their children about what’s going on, and school administrators should get involved when necessary if a student is bullied for wearing or not wearing a mask at school. .
Depending on how old the child is, Wilson said, it can be helpful for them to ignore peers who bully them, explain the reasoning behind their decision to mask or not mask, or report the issue to an adult.
“That experience is going to be very different for a kindergartner than it would be for a high school student, because you’re dealing with their ability to self-advocate or express their own opinions,” Wilson said. “This really provides parents an opportunity to speak into their children’s lives in positive and empowering ways.”
While reminding them that bullying is never their fault and that it is never justified, Armstrong said it can be helpful to ask your child targeted questions to gauge how they are feeling:
Can you tell me more about what you heard or what you saw?
Has this happened to you before?
Are you worried this will happen again?
What will make you feel safer?
It’s also up to school officials to cultivate a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, and promote student health and well-being through a shared understanding of bullying, and the negative impacts it has on mental health, Armstrong urged.
