Most European authorities are reopening schools, admitting it was a mistake to keep them closed for so long & determined not to have blanket closures again even as #coronavirus infections are on the rise. Our report via @WSJ wsj.com/articles/schoo…
The reopening of schools in Europe is supported by teachers’ unions, as well as many parents. There’s no evidence that young children are driving the epidemic and there’ve been no school-related outbreaks in day-care centers and elementary schools wsj.com/articles/schoo… 
“School closures are only effective if we want to damage our children,” said Prof. Wieland Kiess. He coordinated a study that showed isolation at home is damaging the mental health of children, especially those from poorer families. wsj.com/articles/schoo…
“Children—especially in elementary schools—must return to in-person teaching as soon as possible,” said Kay Czerwinski, head of the parents association in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. “Everything else is untenable.” wsj.com/articles/schoo…
Unlike in the US, the schools debate in Europe is not politicised. Pressure is high to reopen schools so that parents can go back to work amid concern about the impact of prolonged home schooling on students, especially in poorer families wsj.com/articles/schoo…
Prof. Peter Klimek found school closures were effective in curbing contagion but said this could be the result of side effects, such as reduced use of public transport & parents working from home while taking care of their children wsj.com/articles/schoo…
