College students in Boulogne-Billancourt, June 22. - Jacques Witt / SIPA

  • Middle and high school students will have to appear masked for the start of the school year on Tuesday, September 1. An obligation extended to the playground, said Thursday the Minister of National Education.
  • Why did the ministry retain the age of eleven, corresponding to entry into 6th year, for this obligation?
  • 20 Minutes takes stock of official recommendations and those of pediatricians.

Middle and high school students will return to school in masks on Tuesday, September 1, unlike primary and kindergarten students. From 11 years old, students must wear a mask in confined spaces. This obligation also extends to the playground, said Thursday Jean-Michel Blanquer, the Minister of National Education.

Why did the government choose this age of 11, corresponding to entry into sixth grade? In its health protocol, National Education explains that it relied on the recommendations issued on July 7 by the High Council of Public Health. This one then advised to make compulsory the wearing of the mask in school environment for the young people from 11 years old, as soon as they are in a closed environment or in a gathering or grouping.

"Understanding the reason for wearing a mask"

The French Pediatric Society also recommends wearing a mask from the start of 6th year, among other measures such as educating children under 6 to wash their hands regularly. However, she specifies that her wearing "can be lightened in classes where physical distancing is possible".

"Eleven years old is an age at which children are able to understand the reason for wearing the mask and the way to do it", develops Professor Christophe Delacourt, president of the French pediatric society, with  20 Minutes . For the youngest, the pediatrician points out that "it is a little illusory to think that a young child will wear a mask and do it well". He recalls that there is "very little transmission from child to child in young children".

WHO recommends wearing a mask from the age of twelve

The WHO, for its part, has been advising since August 21 the wearing of masks for children from 12 years old. The international organization believes that adolescents and pre-adolescents "should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults".

For the youngest, between 6 and 11 years old, the WHO does not decide: it recommends that the decision to wear a mask or not be made according to several factors, such as "the ability of the child to use a mask correctly and safely ”. The organization advises against wearing a mask for children aged 5 and under.

What about children suffering from pathologies or a handicap? The WHO advises against wearing a mask, except for children with underlying diseases such as cystic fibrosis or cancer, and advises an assessment "on a case-by-case basis". This is the position adopted by the National Education, which specifies that it is "the opinion of the referring doctor" of the pupil who will determine whether or not to wear the mask.

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Coronavirus: Jean-Michel Blanquer refines the details of a “special” start, compulsory mask for all teachers

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