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“Many schoolchildren wear masks against their will,” expert believes

By on July 3, 2023

Physical education classes in Japanese schools

The decision of whether to mask or not in Physical Education classes is one that many parents in Japan are facing as they try to keep their children protected from the new variants of Covid-19, while also supporting their social and emotional development.

Since March 13,  the mandatory wearing of mask has been relaxed in Japan which means it is up to the individual’s discretion whether to wear one or choose not to.

According to Japan’s National Center for Child Health and Development survey from April-May, 68 percent of sixth graders to second-year high school students want to mask in physical education classes but in reality, only 49 percent of them do.

There’s a consistent pattern from studies in Brazil, Europe, China and the U.S.  that show significant increases in Bullying, Cyberbullying, Anxiety, and Depression among children due to pandemic and the frequent changes in school and public health rules.

 

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An expert in Japan said that he believes many schoolchildren are wearing masks against their will – not just in PE classes but on other occasions as well. He stressed the importance of creating a more tolerant environment where children can decide for themselves whether to mask or not.

It will be useful for parents and teachers to have consistent dialogues with kids that will reduce their anxieties as we all move forward to being completely mask-free. There will still be places and situations where kids will be required to wear masks, like closed crowded spaces with poor ventilation, etc.

Mask-wearing is a personal decision, so it makes sense for parents and teachers to emphasize to schoolchildren that we all need do what’s safe for oneself and others.

 

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