We are a group of over 400 Avon Maitland District School Board parents and faculty concerned with the masking mandate in schools.
After reviewing the studies on mask wearing in children used by Public Health Ontario, we have concluded the studies to be faulty and inconclusive; that the benefits vs. risks have not been equally weighed, and are causing more harm than good. Our children are suffering from these continued restrictions, and as their parents we have a duty to advocate for this vulnerable population. This is now a humanitarian issue.
Given a) the vastly mild effect from COVID-19 in children, and children are not drivers of transmission, b) schools are considered to be low-risk settings, c) the low-risk scenario of Huron Perth currently, and d) the ineffectiveness and negative implications of cloth masks when worn incorrectly, that masking in schools is scientifically weak and unsafe.
To be effective, rigorous hand hygiene along with frequent changes of soiled masks is necessary, otherwise they’re rendered useless. Children should only wear masks as tolerated, and need to be treated with respect and dignity at all times.
We are seeing a “one size fits all” approach to a population that is so uniquely individualized in its needs. It is imperative that we deescalate the fear in the school setting, while still maintaining protection for our medically vulnerable with focused protection strategies. It is inevitable that mild infections will occur, but it should not be panicked.
The positive of this is an overall increase in community immunity. What should be alarming is the mental health declination of children in Canada throughout the pandemic, due to continued restrictions. Our children are feeling immense pressure to comply at all costs, and are being taught to be fearful of one another. The ‘essential work’ of children is education, and normalcy in school plays a vital role in overall well-being of physical, emotional, social and mental health.
To date, our concerns have remained invalidated by public health and the school boards. Our children are crying out to be heard underneath their masks. They have been disrespected, silenced and shamed. The disregard for individual needs and tolerance in children has to stop. We have to replace our fear with empathy.
Our children are bearing far too much weight; their little shoulders can no longer carry it without catastrophic consequences. As Dr. Joseph Allen said, “Children are resilient, but not endlessly resilient.”
Mask wearing in schools must be permissive, now and for the future, unless unequivocally necessary and proven 100 per cent safe and effective. We must remember that children are not responsible for our failing health care system, and must be treated with compassion and dignity always.
Concerned Parents/Faculty of Avon Maitland District School Board
