Do not make masks mandatory for children in primary or secondary schools in UK.

The Issue

Do not make masks mandatory for children in primary or secondary schools in the UK. This would be disproportionate given the very limited role they play in transmission of the virus.


Enforcing face coverings on children in schools will disrupt their social interactions and cause further damage when their wellbeing and mental health has already been disproportionately affected. We call on the government to ensure that children can have a normalised social and educational experience.

This petition had 23,082 supporters

The Issue

Do not make masks mandatory for children in primary or secondary schools in the UK. This would be disproportionate given the very limited role they play in transmission of the virus.


Enforcing face coverings on children in schools will disrupt their social interactions and cause further damage when their wellbeing and mental health has already been disproportionately affected. We call on the government to ensure that children can have a normalised social and educational experience.

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This petition had 23,082 supporters

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The Decision Makers

Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Education
The Department for Education's guidance is clear that children are not expected to wear face coverings in schools. Here is the relevant section: Public Health England does not (based on current evidence) recommend the use of face coverings in schools. This evidence will be kept under review. They are not required in schools as pupils and staff are mixing in consistent groups, and because misuse may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission. There may also be negative effects on communication and thus education. Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in shops.
Kirsty Williams MS
Kirsty Williams MS
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