The physical, mental, and emotional health effects of masks on our children
Children are wearing masks while at school, others homes, and in most public areas, but at what cost?
We have been told that mask-wearing children are at extremely low risk for contracting the Covid-19 or Coronavirus unless they have a serious underlying autoimmune disorder. Yet those with autoimmune issues were less likely to get it or use the vaccine for antibodies.
Children fighting cancer or with low to no immune systems have historically been protected with isolation, medications, and correctly fitted masks with protocols. The last statistic I could find on childhood deaths from Covid 19 is a total of 67 American children. Reporting does not clarify if they have any underlying medical conditions or not.
Take a minute to consider negative effects of masks on kids
Recently a brilliant friend wrote an article that clearly defined lessons she had learned from her beautiful dog. It made me think about what defines us as humans as well. We need physical touch, interaction, and emotional bonds, and we are even attracted to mates by the sense of smell in pheromones. If children are unable to be close in distance will they form the same social bonds, trust, or relationships that normally happen?
Physical effects of long term mask-wearing
On a physical level, children are complaining (as are adults) of headaches, fatigue, and symptoms of hypoxia which is the lack of oxygen in the tissues. They may have sore ears and some struggle with fogging of glasses when wearing a mask during school so they won’t wear them.
Due to the re-circulation of bacteria, while exhaling, many conditions such as:
- impetigo
- cold sores, acne,
- skin infections
- elevated levels of Co2
Emotional effects of mask-wearing over time
Emotionally some have reported being afraid of not wearing it or getting “in trouble” for not following rules. A little girl in one account spilled water on her mask during lunch and wore a wet mask all day. She was fearful she would get into trouble with her teacher. Sadly, suicide is in the top 3 causes of teen deaths and is on the rise along with addiction.
Mental effects on kids from mask-wearing
Mentally we are seeing an increase in depression and anxiety. It is manifesting in physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, coughs, ticks, skin picking, eating disorders, and even cutting in all ages of youth. They are feeling isolated as they can’t play in the same physical manner as tag or sports.
They aren’t being allowed to hug or hold hands as children often do because of social distancing. We have historically used hand-holding to keep groups of children together for safety but now it is forbidden in some cases.
Psychological impact on kids from constant mask-wearing
Psychologically, ask yourself if having a temperature “gun” pointed to the middle of your forehead by an authority figure regularly is having an effect?
If parents do not believe that masks are truly useful but are forced to wear them in school it would feel conflicting to a child. Are they being conditioned, do they feel disobedient, conflicted, or dis-empowered?
I think it would be justified to begin studies to see if the youth have an increase in PTSD. Possibly more OCD over time, as the symptoms may not manifest for months or years down the road. Tracking the incidence of hypochondriac cases may also be important. Some children may be feeling fearful of contracting the Corona Virus. If life gets back to normal, will these children be given medications because of masking?
Impacts of mask-wearing for kids with special needs
Special needs children may not have to wear a mask with a medical exemption. With educational assistants, teachers, and other children covering half of their faces, it may be causing an emotional or mental upset. It is common to teach kids to read facial cues, but masking is in the way.
Special needs kids require a great deal of physical assistance or touch to regain control of emotional outbursts. I have seen classmates showing considerable compassion with physical hugs to special needs youth. It calms their anxiety, which will sadly not happen now with social distancing.
Hair analysis and mask-wearing
We all know we need exposure to non-threatening, daily bacteria, and viruses to keep our immune systems strong. Children build their strength during the school years through common exposures.
We have never shielded them to such an extent from natural environments or other people.
Ask yourself these questions:
So what do you think will be the result? A weaker immune systems? Do you feel the benefit is worth the risk?
I know this is a lot to consider. If you would like to help in building your family’s immune system
LET’S CHAT about your health goals!
You can learn more about the link between Celiac Disease and Covid-19 Coronavirus. There may also be a possible link between vaccines and autism.
Copyright Scientific Nutrition, LLC 2020
