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[–][deleted] 4137 points4138 points  (109 children)

YTA. Because the mask doesn’t help protect your child. And you’re teaching him to be paranoid.

[–][deleted] 828 points829 points  (7 children)

Agreed. No way would I have worn a mask to school at 10. In surprised the kids didn't rip it off as soon as the parent left.

[–][deleted] 237 points238 points  (6 children)

You're assuming he didn't. Most 10 year olds would do exactly that, then blame the school.

[–]sweetwaterfall 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Um, he got in trouble (or whatever) at school for wearing it, so I think it’s a safe assumption

[–]Dayofsloths 17 points18 points  (0 children)

You don't have particularly good reading comprehension if you came away with that understanding...

[–]firecorn22 374 points375 points  (0 children)

This aged amazingly like milk

[–][deleted] 233 points234 points  (46 children)

Info: is your kid vaccinated?

Also there is lots of stuff (you know like doctors and medical research) that says the mask doesn’t help and actually makes it worse due to trapping the the germs with the humidity if your mouth.

[–]kbhinz 89 points90 points  (25 children)

Good question. It seems like a lot of people freaking out over the Coronavirus haven't had a flu shot in years.

[–]AaahhFakeMonsters 37 points38 points  (10 children)

What does being vaccinated have to do with it? There’s no vaccine for corona yet. Unless you’re just gonna day YTA if they aren’t vaccinated cuz then yeah they are lol

[–]Pisum_odoratusPartassipant [2] 53 points54 points  (2 children)

OMFG, have you not noticed that your mortality risk for COVID-19 goes much higher if you are already sick with something? It's also a general observation that people get hysterical over something that is unlikely to affect them, but take no precautions against something that is far more likely to come into their lives. Several of my elderly relatives died of pneumonia- which is most likely to develop from the flu in the aged.

[–]highvoltage124 46 points47 points  (1 child)

In response to the outbreak my school urged everyone to get a flu shot just to avoid the possible hysteria of someone catching the flu and thinking it's coronavirus

[–]AzureShell 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I got a flu shot a month ago because all I could think was about catching both flu and Coronavirus at the same time would probably suck a lot.

[–]YoshiKoshi 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The point is that the flu vaccine helps prevent cases of the flu and slows down transmission. We're not going to get that help with the spread of the Corona virus. It's relevant when comparing how the two spread and affect the population.

[–]puppermonster23 125 points126 points  (3 children)

I second this. The masks help people who have it stop spreading it. Not the other way around. OP is also contributing to the shortage of masks we now have. YTA

[–][deleted] 100 points101 points  (2 children)

It's also likely against school dress code, which is why the school pushed back without an active quarantine in effect. Most schools don't allow faces to be covered for the safety of the students.

Most people really have no understanding of how small** a virus is, how porous certain materials are, or how little a Walmart issue mask does for the most part for things outside basic hospital precautions. Quarantine masks are much more involved. They're close-fitted, airtight, made of harder materials, and include a respirator with filter.

**For reference, thousands of viral units could line up on the period at the end of this sentence and dance the cancan without getting squeezed for space.

[–]hyena_cubAsshole Enthusiast [7] 11 points12 points  (1 child)

dance the cancan

there's a mental image.

[–][deleted] 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Yeah. Honestly wearing the mask probably does the kid more harm than good. Most 10 year olds who are forced to wear a mask are probably going to fiddle with it a lot. You know a great way to get sick? Touching your face.

[–]Iakhovass 37 points38 points  (1 child)

Not to mention that Covid-19 has proven to be relatively benign to children so far with no deaths in the 0-9 age bracket and only mild symptoms. Like chicken pox, it seems to be much more effective in adults.

[–]nonphotosynthetic_af 22 points23 points  (0 children)

A six year old and a three year old leukemia patient died in Iran.

[–]PacificCoastHwyPartassipant [2] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Not sure if it's been said, but wearing the mask can increase odds of being sick because people tend to mess with it and touch their faces more.

I lived in Japan for a decade. It was common to see Japanese people wearing masks. But it was always people who were already sick and trying not to spread illness.

Also, last year I thought my son had the flu. Took him to ER. None of the staff were wearing a mask, but the first thing they did was put a mask on my son--the person at risk of spreading illness. If it helped keep you from catching illness, wouldn't everyone working in the ER be wearing one?

[–]DancingThroughIt 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Pretty much this. A mask does not protect you from getting sick, it just helps propagate paranoia.

[–]meatball77Partassipant [4] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Can we do YTI for you're the idiot?

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

How is wearing a mask to try and not get sick(whether it’s effective or not) paranoia? refusing to leave the house, or something along those lines, is paranoia. NAH

[–]PlayersForBreakfastAsshole Aficionado [12] 1705 points1706 points  (27 children)

YTA I don’t know what „mixed responses“ you found online but medical masks make it less likely for infected to infect others, they do not protect people from viruses. So exactly what the principal said.

Tell your kids to wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their faces all that much and be sanitary in general.

[–][deleted] 195 points196 points  (21 children)

And hand sanitizer. Kids aren't always allowed enough time to properly wash their hands and doing a thorough job isn't exactly the priority of a child.

I feel so much sympathy for people who still have to basically work in a germ factory. The community spread has started and panic will set in. Won't help having "proactive" parents stepping in.

[–]IHaveBlackCousins 90 points91 points  (14 children)

Hand sanitizer is still recommended to be scrubbed much like washing your hands. Washing hands is far more effective than hand sanitizer.

Source: I'm currently working in the Canadian corvid-19 quarantine zone. Pm for more details

[–]ASpellingAirror 14 points15 points  (1 child)

Hand sanitizers are nowhere near as effective against viruses as soap and water. They are still far better than not doing anything but if you can wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

[–]Variance__Partassipant [3] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This. I have a bunch of family who work in hospitals and they talk about colleagues having to be reminded to wash their hands, not just rely on hand sanitizer. Using hand sanitizer will kill a lot of what’s on the surface, but it doesn’t remove it from your hands. Washing your hands properly helps to remove deposits from the surface of your hands. Definitely a bigger issue in a hospital, though, where you could have literal shit on your hands.

[–]VeryGreedy 1061 points1062 points  (1 child)

This is too beautiful lmao. This aged horribly bad.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 806 points807 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately so lol. I'm just glad most people are on board now. My state seems to be doing well, but not so much in other areas. Here's to hoping that things improve!

[–]wikiwackywoot 692 points693 points  (2 children)

Well this post aged like milk

[–]bananna_nut 392 points393 points  (0 children)

Lol these people who voted YTA are probably wearing masks at this point too. As someone who works in healthcare myself, I didn't listen to the advice of not wearing a mask (it went against what other things we had been taught up until then), and I still wore one. Now those same experts are saying that it's safer for society if everyone wore masks as people did in East Asia...

[–]firecorn22 623 points624 points  (0 children)

NTA yeah you where right everyone here was wrong

[–]imthrowawaybb 501 points502 points  (0 children)

eye- these comments did NOT age well

[–]bringherhome2us 366 points367 points  (0 children)

Lmao these comments did not age well.

[–]Whytfbuddy 347 points348 points  (0 children)

NTA you were right after all lol. Ironically cases started here in Buffalo like 6 days later.

[–]J0sey_W4les_23Pooperintendant [51] 264 points265 points  (1 child)

YTA - A mask is doing literally nothing for a 10 year old.

[–]PhilantropCertified Proctologist [26] 249 points250 points  (4 children)

the mask doesn't stop you from catching the virus, it only stops people from spreading it, so it wasn't necessary for him to wear one.

That's true.

[–]Dylanspencer19 244 points245 points  (0 children)

NTA. Protect yourself and your family! There is research as well that indicates that masks are safe and effective. It might very well be early, though, but when it comes to health, you should do what you need to do.

[–]PM_ME_UR_PumicePartassipant [2] 161 points162 points  (1 child)

YTA and you're being paranoid. First - there's no "outbreak" in Buffalo. At all. Second, masks are ineffective. Third, children are not at high risk of getting coronavirus. Fourth, it is more transmittable than flu, but not as contagious as measles or varicella. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization are giving advice on staying healthy - the main thing being wash your hands and don't touch your face.

[–]mewhilehighPooperintendant [67] 136 points137 points  (0 children)

YTA for not just going to school. Why'd you send him in there to start off this train of events? You should've just made it your priority, went to school that morning and asked to speak to principal. Instead you sent him in to cause a disruption so you could come in fighting.

As you said, obviously you need to speak with principal but instead of doing that you keep sending in your 10 year old. You like that kids are likely mocking him behind his back? You like this negative attention on him?

Just go to the school. Call your local health department. Call your freaking doctor. The notion that you googled rather than finding out further confirms to me you are just an asshole who wants to show how right you are rather than actually addressing the issue.

[–]mermePartassipant [1] 118 points119 points  (10 children)

YTA

I told my kids (3 boys) to start wearing medical masks when they leave the house.

So you're one of those people that think they're smarter than doctors.

The masks don't help, and all you've done is limit the amount of masks medical professionals have on hand.

You're part of the huge problem going on. And not only that, but you're dragging your kids into this. The school should be pointing out that it's wrong and that they shouldn't do it.

This is like being an anti vaxxer. You're on that level.


You know what's so funny? I followed guidelines. So when the guidelines changed, I did as well. You all calling me anti-masker are hilarious.

I did what I was supposed to and wore masks when I was supposed to. I didn't when I was supposed to because hospitals needed them. I still hold that ordering the surgical masks was an asshole thing to do because hospitals needed them. They could have made others.

So keep pretending I'm an antimasker all you want, I actually gave a damn about about hospitals.

[–]firecorn22 233 points234 points  (0 children)

Want to reconsider your stance now

[–][deleted] 93 points94 points  (0 children)

NTA. To everyone saying YTA, you're all fucking crazy. Absolute 🤡 world. This is how the virus is spreading, from ignorance and just pretending everything is ok. Your country is going to break top 5 countries infected soon and I can see why. Buy as many masks as you can, stockpile and protect your family. Jesus christ

[–]Ars_Are_Beast 97 points98 points  (0 children)

NTA. What's the problem with wearing a mask? Not harming him, not harming the teachers, and not disrupting learning. The school stepped out if bound and it's not their decision even if the masks were pointless.

[–]AX-10Partassipant [1] 89 points90 points  (0 children)

I get where you are coming from, wanting to keep your kid healthy is a natural desire.

However, wearing the mask does not prevent him from getting sick.

Additionally, by putting so much emphasis on an issue that is moot to begin with you may be giving him some serious anxiety.

Thirdly, your son is (through no fault of his own), going to either scare a bunch of kids, or get picked on relentlessly. Neither of which are worth it when the mask doesn't even help.

Softly YTA, you mean well, but don't die on this hill, it isn't worth it.

[–]CrazyinLull 83 points84 points  (0 children)

I see a LOT of people (mainly Asians) wearing masks in my area and I don't consider them to be rude, at all. I know that people have been parroting that masks don't help, but when I was looking for hand sanitizer and etc. the other day I realized just how much I touch my face, especially my nose and I can't always get to a sink with soap to wash my hands. Now there is more science coming out that masks do work after people claim that they don't.

I think you should do you and if your principal has an issue please send them this medical paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440799/

It really annoys me that people in the US aren't taking this more seriously. People act as if those who already have compromised immune systems or older are already at death's door so it shouldn't matter if they die or not. There is nothing wrong with taking action beforehand or being cautious. If people disagree with being prepared that is on them, personally. They don't have to wash their hands, wear masks, and etc, but respect those who do. Just like that hospital admin that was supposed to be in isolation and then went to that business conference at that school in New Hampshire where he put others in danger. Those kind of AHs exists so it's only right to be prepared for them.

If someone feels like they WANT to be cautious. Just let them be cautious. There is no harm to it and no one should tell you otherwise especially WHEN THERE ARE MEDICAL PAPERS THAT PROVE THEM WRONG. This is NOT the same as an anti-vaxxer who is sprouting non-sense, because they are eating anti-science propaganda and being ignorant overall.

NTA

EDIT: I highly discourage hoarding of any supplies and going to extreme measures especially when you are making it harder for other people to access them. I do encourage reading whatever medical papers are written by medical professionals and scientists to get your information to avoid going into panic mode. This isn't a knock on journalists, but sometimes they are average joes just like you and me who just end up repeating a lot of things until some new info comes out and then they have to go back and repeat that. Sometimes it's just easier to go to their source(s) and read that instead.

[–][deleted] 69 points70 points  (0 children)

Dude OP don't listen to the people saying you're the asshole. Masks help, that's why CDC tells you to wear one if someone in your home is sick. They're primarily beneficial for the sick to prevent them from spraying germs everywhere, but they are beneficial if e.g. a sick person coughs in your face. Plus, if someone were to get infected, would you want them spraying germs for a few days before getting diagnosed, or would you want them to already be wearing a mask? If everyone wore masks as a preventative measure, COVID 19 wouldn't be spreading nearly as quickly.

For the safety of your kids, and for those around them, keep wearing the masks. And even if they did literally nothing (which is not true), wearing them harms no one. America's asinine mild taboo on wearing facemasks is a public health nightmare.

Edit: also NTA and these comments are depressing. Like, how are you an asshole for wearing a facemask? At the absolute worst, they're harming no one, they just look silly.

[–][deleted] 64 points65 points  (6 children)

Hey, doctor here. Soft YTA.

First of all what kind of mask did you make them wear? As far as I know, only the N95 masks are effective. If it was not a N95, they would actually have a higher chance of getting infected by a virus, as they'd have to touch their face/nose again and again to adjust the mask.

Also, even if it was a N95, buying it to protect perfectly healthy children will do nothing but cause a shortage for infected people. Please understand, that the number of such effective masks is limited while the virus can infect literally anyone who's in close contact with an infected person. So rather than every healthy person wearing a mask (which is impossible), it is much more efficient to make the infected people wear masks.

I think you're just being protective of your children, but please understand, that if you're making them wear some other type of mask, you could be endangering them, and even if you're using the N95, you're endangering many other kids who could be saved if a sick person wears the mask.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 15 points16 points  (2 children)

Thank you for this. The mask I had him wear was a disposable medical mask. I already had them on hand from early in the season, when my youngest had the flu. I didn't buy any new disposable ones. The masks I purchased were handmade cotton masks. No N59 or anything special, just cotton & elastic

Thank you for the information. I talked to his principal & teachers today and they all told me the same thing about kids fidgeting with the masks; which makes sense. So I understand their point now. I'm not pressing the issue or sending him in with a mask. We'll use the reusable ones for trips to the Dr or when they get sick

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the information.

Glad I could help :-)

[–]airmandan 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We'll use the reusable ones for trips to the Dr or when they get sick

You should use the reusable ones to fill up the trash bin. They are not only not effective, they actively do damage. In addition to all the hand-to-face contact you've already been told about, they're cotton. They will capture warm, moist breath, and incubate the very germs you're trying to avoid.

[–]pparana80 13 points14 points  (0 children)

N95 masks put on properly requires training. They are uncomfortable and annoying. I feel bad for any healthcare professionals who will have to deal with those.

[–]confusedontheprompt 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Side question because I'm still a bit confused, are they considering COVID-19 is airborne? The facts page from CDC says it is spread through droplet like flu but them turn around and say precautions should include N-95 respirators. If it's droplet why are we implementing airborne precautions, no one is putting on N-95 for flu patients?

[–]jen452 58 points59 points  (0 children)

I live in Japan, where wearing masks is very common. I teach children 6 months to 12 years old. I wear a mask daily during flu season and I always get a flu vaccine.

My immune system is very low and I get multiple colds and I get the flu almost every year. However, by me wearing a mask, I prevent spreading viruses to my students and coworkers. I know it offers me only minimal protection. But I get influenza and colds every year, despite washing my hands, not touching my face, and wearing a surgical mask from November to May daily to school.

The principal telling your child to remove their mask is an asshole. I honestly do not think a regular surgical mask will protect him. Actually, most kids do touch their faces more if they wear a mask, which increases their risk of infection. But, that mask is not hurting anyone else. The principal should not be forcing him to remove it.

[–]MythicalBeast45Asshole Aficionado [15] 42 points43 points  (0 children)

NTA since you're just trying to protect your kids (and aren't using disposable masks), but I'm not sure what "mixed responses" you're getting from Googling the question. The CDC has said more than once that they only recommend masks for people who already show symptoms and have no choice about going outside.

[–]Tablyn24Asshole Enthusiast [6] 43 points44 points  (0 children)

YTA - I understand you want to protect your children but honestly the mask isn’t gonna do anything. It also could make other children nervous and upset.

[–][deleted] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

Yta you're adding to the panic and it'll be your son who suffers not you.

[–][deleted] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

YTA don't be that mom. Surgical masks protect others from YOUR germs, they don't protect YOU from viral particles. That's why doctor's offices ask SICK patients to put a mask on, not the other way around.

[–]HikaruToyaPartassipant [4] 25 points26 points  (4 children)

NTA

True, it wont necessarily prevent him from catching the disease, but there also is no reason he shouldnt be able to wear it. It doesnt INCREASE his risk of getting another student sick, nor does it "distract other students" as he said. If you want to fight it, fight it.

[–]Alternative_AnswerColo-rectal Surgeon [47] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Probably goes against a policy of not having your face covered, like how you can't have hats. Plus it might be freaking out the other kids and parents.

[–]maxwellGManPartassipant [2] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Honestly I think the "It will distract other kids" thing is usually absurd but I could see it here. Someone a touch younger than her son, maybe 8, hearing about coronavirus on the news and then seeing a kid in a surgical mask could get pretty scared.

If it actually helped at all I'd be fine because that fear and distraction would be a small price for safety but since a 10 year old almost certainly isn't going to use the mask properly (changing it every time they take it off, never putting it below their nose to breathe, never touching the mask, fiitting it properly to their face when they get a new one, etc.) and therefore gets no benefit even if it is an n95 or possibly makes themselves more likely to get ill or pass illness around if it means they get replaced about sensible precautions like handwashing I think it's perfectly fair for the school to disallow them.

[–]zoeyjulyAsshole Enthusiast [8] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Schools don't allow masks. It's a safety thing.

[–]StellaHolly 26 points27 points  (2 children)

NTA - The mask DOES help to protect the child because it prevents him from putting his fingers in his mouth/nose area.

Also, it’s your choice as a parents. If you’re ever been to Japan or Taiwan etc you would know how common they are and the idea that Americans wouldn’t allow their children to wear them is absolutely laughable.

[–]sophi_sofine 25 points26 points  (0 children)

going to say YTA but not because of your insistence on the mask, but rather having your 10 year old fight this battle instead of you going directly to the school to resolve this.

you're paranoid and you're wrong with the mask being protective, but at the same time i don't blame your paranoia and a mask is really doing little to stop him from being productive at school. you're going to have to actually solve this battle by getting involved though and still being shot down.

don't make your 10 year old fight a battle you know will get him sent to the principal's office. go down there and have this conversation for yourself then decide if it's worth battling for your peace of mind over.

also, would just giving him hand sanitizer to abuse the hell out of not help? might be worthwhile to alleviate your anxieties

[–]unicorndreamer23Partassipant [1] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

recommendations in the place I’m living is to wear a mask whenever in public areas. I’m not just paranoid

[–]Luised2094 25 points26 points  (0 children)

NTA. Is neither you or the principals place to say anything. Neither of you are medical professionals. If you are so concerned about your children, speak to your doctor and ask for his advice, don't just use Dr. Google as your sole sorf of information, remember Google only shows what you ask him to show so depending on your wording you might be getting misleading information by default. The principal shouldn't make your child remove his mask (even if he is right) without consulting you first.

[–]SadisticPottedPlant 20 points21 points  (0 children)

YTA.

Your kid touches a desk, rubs his eye and now he's got the common cold. The mask did nothing to stop it.

Tell him to wash his grubby hands and not touch his face.

[–]shiestbucket 21 points22 points  (1 child)

I’m in buffalo. The possible cases (returning Italians I believe) were quarantined in their homes and turns out they are fine.

Not really a judgement but just some info.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thank you for that

[–]archiminos 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I'm in Shanghai right now and I think you are seriously overreacting.

E: I was wrong. I didn't realise how bad things would get and that masks are important. NTA.

[–]Rittman925Asshole Enthusiast [5] 17 points18 points  (5 children)

INFO: Is it a regular mask or the specialized respirator type mask that can actually do something?

[–][deleted] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

NTA, it's your family and you decided to go that route. But I will say it doesn't do any good unless he was sanding drywall.

[–]jdwjxiaAsshole Enthusiast [5] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Regular masks don’t work only respirator masks do

[–]OzyrzCertified Proctologist [22] 9 points10 points  (3 children)

ESH. The masks do very little to prevent you from catching the virus. It would be much more helpful to make sure your children are regularly washing their hands and not touching their face (mouth, eyes in particular).

I’m not sure why the school won’t let the kids wear them, though. They really don’t do any harm. Maybe they’re just trying not to scare the children? But even still, they should instead take it as an opportunity to discuss hygiene.

[–]zoeyjulyAsshole Enthusiast [8] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Schools don't allow masks of any kind. It's a safety issue to have students faces obscured. Nearly all schools have this rule now.

[–]kaphsquallPartassipant [4] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Best answer. Wearing masks in public is normal in other cultures and the school shouldn't discourage a hygienic habit if a child or parent wants to practice it, as misguided as it may be in this situation.

That said, I live in Buffalo and there have been no confirmed cases. A couple locals were tested but it came back negative. That, coupled with the fact that she didn't even do the research to realize she was sending the kids off with the wrong masks and didn't understand the efficacy of the proper ones makes her an alarmist and in the wrong as well.

ESH

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

YTA. The surgical mask isn’t going to help. Just keep him home if he has a compromised immune system

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think NTA. A mask doesn't keep the virus out, but it does prevent someone from casually touching their nose or mouth while out in public. Your kid, your decision to make IMO.

[–]Celerycheesepeanuts 9 points10 points  (2 children)

Mild ESH- and here’s why:

The virus is not airborne, it’s ‘waterborne’ i.e. if you have it and cough or sneeze openly or cover your nose/mouth with your hands and then touch something you can spread the disease - therefore if you are sick yourself a mask can help prevent you from infecting others but to prevent yourself from getting sick you should wash your hands with hot water frequently and use hand sanitizers and avoid touching your face. Things like the straps you hold while standing on the train or subway are the sort of things you should be aware of that can be serious points of contact with the virus.

On the other hand, I think the school was wrong to ‘punish’ your child for wearing a mask and to insist that he remove it. Maybe I’m biased because I teach in Japan where wearing a mask is extremely common, but if it makes the students feel more comfortable then I don’t see the harm.

I visited my doctor yesterday (for something unrelated to Corona) and he jokingly told me he was glad to see a ‘sensible’ patient who was not wearing a mask. He confirmed that wearing a mask will not help people to avoid catching the virus.

[–]JadeCaldera 3 points4 points  (1 child)

It's possible that the school has a rule against anything covering a student's face. Most schools seem to.

[–]262Mel 8 points9 points  (1 child)

YTA. I live in Buffalo, NY too and there are no confirmed cases of the Corona virus here. You're just making your kid more paranoid and anxious. BTW- no children have died from the Corona virus. They seem to be eerily immune as of now.

[–]jokeyhahaCertified Proctologist [22] 9 points10 points  (3 children)

I'm in Buffalo, too. There isn't an outbreak here yet.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 14 points15 points  (2 children)

Tuesday I got an automated call from the school saying that there is a possibility of the Coronavirus being in Buffalo. Another poster informed me that the family is from Italy and in quarantine. But my initial reaction was based on the call I got

[–]jokeyhahaCertified Proctologist [22] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

A suburban district? Our district did a robocall but I honestly didn't pay attention to it.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Buffalo public schools

[–]pink_sewing_unicorn 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Also this cotton masks are quiete dangerous, they can be the breeding ground for some nasty stuff you definitely do not want close to your mouth and nose.

[–]ihatefakenames 7 points8 points  (1 child)

YTA. A mask from Etsy?! Was it a handloomed replica of a vintage farmhouse design infused with lavender oil and colloidal silver? I just...my brain just exploded reading that line.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

No it's cotton. Ya know, simple mask that can be worn without affecting people who need actual antivirus mask... I'm not an anti vaxxers for God's sake, I just didn't want to add to the shortage

[–]cactuspenguinPooperintendant [63] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

ESH The principle is right, the masks don't prevent you from getting infected, they just stop spreading it if you have it. Also the virus is very mild with children, they only show very minor symptoms and don't really get sick so no need to be that scared. Then again, I don't see why the school policy wouldn't allow children to wear one.

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

No judgement, just leaving this here.

The mask doesn’t prevent you from catching the virus HOWEVER: wearing a mask can help prevent people (especially children) from touching their mouths or noses, which I’m hearing MIGHT help prevent spread.

If you aren’t in a heavily infected area, and if it’s on a child who will probably touch under the mask anyway it probably doesn’t matter.

[–]bufallllPartassipant [1] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

fyi the potential corona virus family here tested negative so there’s nothing confirmed here yet

[–]Copper_John24 4 points5 points  (0 children)

NTA for wanting to protect your child's health... but a cotton mask does do anything to stop someone getting an airborne virus.

[–]confusedteenneedh3lp 5 points6 points  (0 children)

hear me out...

your kid is going to resent you. not for trying to protect him from the virus, but for doing so in an embarrassing for a ten year old way. they’re noticeable, bright white, and cover his face. and he may not have a huge issue with it now, but if you make him continue to do so and cause seems, then YTA

[–]4shadowelm 6 points7 points  (2 children)

NAH Currently a teacher in South Korea atm and I must say I hate the masks. Kids here have been forced to wear them for months. People argue about how useful they are for all people but I must say they are useless for most kids. (granted I teach 7 year olds not 10 year olds) They constantly touch and play with the masks. You can't hear the kids well when they talk. It is very frustrating. I understand the worry though with all the mixed information so NAH

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

My 10 yr old has some disabilities (one being ADHD) and does tend to fiddle with the mask. I understand now how that can be counterproductive, and that masks are more useful for sick individuals, rather than healthy ones. It was definitely a knee jerk reaction on my part

[–]4shadowelm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I don't have kids but I truly care about my school kids, I cant imagine how scary it is with all this conflicting information flying around! That's why no one is the asshole. As parent, you did what you thought was right for your kids. :) from the edits

[–]Dachshundmom5Partassipant [2] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

YTA The mask is effective if you are sick and not wanting to spread it. If you are not sick, it is not effective or necessary. Your hands would still be touching germs and then you touch your face (usually more when wearing a mask because they are irritating). Unless your son is caring for sick people while at school, no reason to wear a mask. The most effective weapon of prevention is handwashing and antibacterial gel. They are literally telling people to stop with the masks for healthy people on everything. I also googled. There are no mixed responses.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/time.com/5794729/coronavirus-face-masks/%3famp=true

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/02/29/health/face-masks-coronavirus-surgeon-general-trnd/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/face-mask-new-coronavirus.html

I have no immune system. My white count is well below the minimum range and my immunoglobulins are crazy low. My infectious disease specialist has still told me to only wear masks at doctors offices and hospitals.

[–]blueberrylemontea 6 points7 points  (0 children)

ESH. They’re right that medical masks don’t help, but threatening and forcing your son to remove it shouldn’t be their course of action. They should have politely informed you, and then let you choose what you wanted to do with that information.

[–]JanetMermaid 5 points6 points  (1 child)

YTA masks don't help you not get coronavirus. They only help others not get it from you if you are already sick.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I definitely learned that today. Thank you

[–]RawrRRitchiePartassipant [1] 6 points7 points  (2 children)

. The masks I bought are from Etsy

Although I'm not familiar the medical certifications etsy has ima say yta for using something someone made themselves over something that medical professionals use

[–]jen452 5 points6 points  (0 children)

NTA i forgot to vote

[–]ImAlreadyTracerBoiiPartassipant [1] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

NAH. I think you were misinformed as a face mask isn’t going to prevent you from contracting corona virus. Masks are typically used to keep from spreading the illness to others.

Not sure why it bothers the school so much though.

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[–]AliceInWeirdolandColo-rectal Surgeon [33] | Bot Hunter [18] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

For me, this isn't about the masks, but rather, you know that he's going to get in trouble for wearing one and you tell him to do it anyways and then have them call you. You should have sent him with a note too, to back him up.

[–]dontwannacare 3 points4 points  (0 children)

unnecessary personal protective equipment shouldn't be worn because it can raise the alarm of those around. also, other kids or staff could assume that your kid has the virus and isolate him. it's really uncomfortable too so i feel bad for the kid.

if you really want to protect your kids, teach and remind them of good hand washing technique and to not touch their eyes, ears, and mouth.

[–]fmred000 3 points4 points  (3 children)

NAH

You weren't aware and were just concerned for your child. I dont get the Y.T.A comments it's not like you made a huge deal out of it and if anything you're just teaching your children to be cautious.

[–]nailsinthecityyx[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Thank you for that. Today was open house so I wanted some opinions before talking to teachers/principals. I'm definitely not arguing against medical advice, I just want to know my rights as a parent. I am grateful for the info I got here, but Lord I've been dragged lol

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (2 children)

I won't make judgement either way, just know that all the mask does is make you look sick, even when you're not. Make sure they wash their hands, stay out of contact with people who appear ill and report any symptoms immediately.

Here's an article from Time talking about it: https://time.com/5794729/coronavirus-face-masks/