Illinois COVID 19: Guidance of face mask for children released by American Academy of Pediatrics

CHICAGO (WLS) – All children 2 and older, including the vast majority of children with underlying health conditions, can safely wear masks, according to new guidance just released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Masks are safe for children to wear and we recommend them,” said Dr Alison Tothy, spokesman for the AAP. “They will keep your children safe from infections, especially if they are around other children.”

In fact, dozens of children attended safe classes on El Valor’s early childhood program. El Valor serves 2,000 children in the Chicago area at four different locations, including the Carlos Cantu Children & Family Center in Little Village.

The children have been wearing face masks for about eight weeks, said Nina Dueñas, former vice president of El Valor of Child Services.

“It’s our new way of life, and I think they’ve adapted really well,” Dueñas said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that masks not only protect your children, they reduce the spread of COVID-19. Children, they said, got used to it.

“I have not seen children attracted or trying to take them off. We probably saw that the first week, but a lot of constant reminder. And here we are eight weeks later and they are wearing their masks,” Dueñas said.

At El Valor, children can take off their masks when they are outdoors and social distance in the playground as lunch. Some of the children stand up to 10 hours on the program and wear their face mask.

“Children, like adults, can wear the mask for as long as they need to,” said Dr. Tothy.

Along with providing guidance, the AAP also consumes mask myths. They have addressed several questions over the past few months.

“Will it make it harder for my children to breathe? Can it limit my children’s lung development? Won’t they pay so much attention at school? All of that is not true,” Dr Tothy said.

Instead, Dr. Tothy said, children will mirror what their parents do, including whether or not they wear masks.

“This is just like putting on a helmet when you ride a bike, or wearing a seatbelt when you get kids in a car seat. These are things that kids can absolutely get used to,” she said.

At El Valor, children have adapted, but so have their teachers, parents, and fellow classmates, including those who are just 2 years old.

“If the parents do it, the teachers will do it,” Dueñas said, “the children will follow.”