FACT:
Masks do generally reduce the spread of certain diseases. But if you think your kid's mask is protecting them, you're probably wrong!
FACT:
Most people are using old style surgical masks. These masks are NOT designed to protect wearers from infection, but rather, protect others from catching diseases that their wearer might carry. (Droplets are simply blocked from being dispersed into the air.)
FACT:
These old style surgical masks are less than 10 percent effective in preventing contraction of airborne disease. The N95 mask is far more effective at stopping both contraction and transmission of airborne diseases. (See: Catalogue)
FACT:
Children are far less likely to be adversely affected by COVID 19 than adults.
Actually, these other airborne diseases pose an even greater threat to children.
Influenza
Chickenpox
Measles
Mumps
Tuberculosis
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Diphtheria
"Ok, so why not just wear a mask anyway?"
Masks make it harder to breathe, especially for children who exercise more often.
Masks trap in germs by restricting ventilation with the outside air.
Less exposure to diseases results in less adaptation, resulting in a weakened immune system.
When young children learn to talk, they look at the movement of other people’s mouths to help learn how to speak. Masks hide this movement.
Masks muffle speech, making it harder to learn how words should really sound.
Facial expressions display a wide range of emotions, including love, joy, sadness, anger and fear. Masks make it difficult, or impossible to see these expressions.
Even when necessary, masks sacrifice physical comfort, and even ideological freedom when mandated.
SUMMARY
Most masks do very little to protect against contracting airborne illnesses.
However, if you really want to protect your child from these illnesses, then make sure to use a mask that is rated to do so. (See: Catalogue)
Now, if you wish to mask your children to protect others from contracting diseases that they may carry, this would be an act of kindness and responsibility to others...Just know the difference!