Mask selection is very important for children

Unusual color and patterned masks used by some students in schools have dangerous consequences. Especially young children examine the interesting masks of their friends, sometimes they try. This makes the measures taken ineffective. Manisa Grandmedical Hospital Infection Specialist Dr. Mustafa Gülenç said that when buying masks for children, parents should prefer products that protect well rather than attract attention.

Millions of students continue face-to-face education with masks during the pandemic. Unusual mask models, which have been seen frequently in recent times, invite the spread of the corona virus. Especially in pre-school education institutions and primary schools, colorful masks attract the attention of children. A child who sees a mask with a cartoon or fairy tale hero figure on his friend's face shows this interest by touching the mask or even by trying it. This situation, which children display as a game, makes the measures taken in educational institutions meaningless.

EASY TO USE AND PROTECTIVE

Manisa Grandmedical Hospital Infection Specialist Dr. Mustafa Gülenç said that families should buy masks that are easy to use and have a high protective effect, instead of masks with cartoon characters or various figures that attract attention. Pointing out that schools are one of the risky areas in terms of corona virus, Gülenç said, "The child is interested when he sees a mask with a cartoon character on his friend's face. Sometimes he touches it, sometimes he takes it and tries it. They do it as a game. This is a very risky situation. It's not just the corona virus. Seasonal flu or other infectious diseases can also be transmitted in this way," he said.

THE FUNCTION OF THE MASK MUST BE EXPLAINED WELL

Stating that the teachers are sensitive about this issue, but the more reasonable solution is not to wear the masks that attract attention to children, Gülenç said, "Masks should not be interesting and intriguing for children in terms of their shapes, colors and patterns. The best masks are those that do not disturb the child and are protective. In addition, the function of the mask should be well explained to children; awareness should be raised that they are protected from diseases by following the mask, hygiene and social distance rules.