Thread by @AllieCrenshaw12

A comprehensive case against masking children:

I read through dozens of articles/studies and compiled the info so people can share it with administrators & friends

Simply put, the cost-benefit analysis of masking kids makes zero sense

I’ll start with the COSTS 🧵

PHYSICAL HARM

This study found an unsafe threshold of carbon dioxide in masks after a short time period. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamap…

Makes sense! Many commonly-reported side effects are attributable to elevated Co2 levels in inhaled air, such as:

Difficulty breathing
Headaches..

Fatigue/weakness
Uneasiness
Dizziness
And (more rarely) fainting

Nearly a third of children surveyed here experienced new sleep issues: montanadailygazette.com/2021/01/25/new…

Then, masks are a breeding ground for infections from bacteria and fungi...

Especially cloth masks, which most do not properly wash daily. bmj.com/content/370/bm…

This study found 11 dangerous (non-COVID) pathogens were found on children’s face masks, including bacteria that causes tuberculosis, meningitis, and diarrhea. Yay! rationalground.com/dangerous-path…

Many dentists have noted a correlation between daily face mask use and an increase in cavities, which is likely because wearing a mask leads to mouth-breathing/dry mouth, a cause of tooth decay.

It causes acne, exacerbating the already fragile self-image of adolescents.

Next..

PRACTICAL HARM:

Masks are often uncomfortable & hot, which hinders a child’s focus & ability to learn.

Teachers have enough on their plates and cannot be expected to police whether kids are fiddling with their masks, have them properly fitted, etc.

There is evidence that masking leads to people paricipating in more risky behaviors, like sending a kid with a cough to school. This is called "risk compensation."

nature.com/articles/s4159…

When children cough/sneeze into their mask, it should be disposed of/replaced. But it never is.

Masks disrupt language development, as children cannot see how the mouth forms words

& what abt deaf kids who depend on lip reading? Or autistic kids who need social cues?

Next..

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL HARM:

Bonding between teachers and students takes a hit.
“Positive emotions such as laughing and smiling become less recognizable, and negative emotions get amplified.
healthpolicy.usc.edu/article/mandat…

The effect of not being able to see facial expressions has not been studied, but common sense leads us to believe this cannot be good for good ol’ human connection.

Masks make it hard to understand each other, reducing communication and increasing feelings of isolation.

(This pediatrician backs up her claims well that masking is harmful to the mental health of teens) spectator.org/pediatrician-d…
Then, it amplifies body image issues. Mask dependence has developed in many children/teens, who are now uncomfortable showing their face.

END. I’ll try to make a thread later about the lack of proven benefits of masking kids. Remember--many other countries have abandoned this nonsensical practice!

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." -Nelson Mandela

PS! If you know a kid who likes books, check out my upcoming picture book--
"This charming story of a class of frogs forced to wear floaties--and later, scuba masks--cleverly exposes the irrationality that escalates when we let fear be our guide" tinyurl.com/frogsdontneedf…