Kids Masking in School

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that all students over the age of two, as well as all school staff, should wear face masks at school unless medical or developmental conditions prohibit their use. The AAP also added that the benefits of in-person learning far outweigh the risks.

Recommendations for universal masking in schools is highly suggested for a number of reasons, especially since a significant portion of the student population is not eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 – vaccines are only currently authorized in the U.S. for people 12 and up – as well as protecting those who are not vaccinated and reducing transmission. During a recent interview, Theodore Bailey, MD, JD, MA, chief of GBMC’s division of infectious diseases, offered sound advice for parents confused about kids and face masks amid the COVID-19 Delta variant surge and explained why kids will be required to mask for the entire school and how masking will be possible for students during lunch, gym and music class.