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The American Academy of Paediatrics recently reported a surge in COVID instances among children and toddlers, owing to a lack of immunisation for children under the age of 12 and an increased bandwidth of delta variants over the world. COVID symptoms, on the other hand, maybe milder, but they can create more difficulties in children than adults during hospitalizations. As a result, parents, guardians, and teachers all across the world are training their children to wear masks at all times.

Measures were taken by foreign countries 

1. France: They have waived the class size and 1-metre distance regulations, but have imposed stronger guidelines for teachers and pupils over the age of 11 to wear masks in class. However, if huge gatherings are discovered anywhere, the school administration has accepted responsibility for making a move.
2. Italy: Italy has enforced one of the strictest standards for students and teachers by holding Saturday sessions in small groups in public places such as theatres and museums. And, at all times during the session, both teachers and students must wear masks, and if this is not done, the person in question will not be allowed to take/attend the class.
3. Germany: Touching the bannisters while going up and down the stairs is prohibited in this country. And if a pupil becomes infected, the student and his entire family will be given a two-week vacation during which they will not be allowed to leave the house.
4. Spain: Has instructed students to keep a 1.5-meter gap between them and to wear masks at all times.

These stringent requirements demonstrate that the entire world is committed to wearing the mask at all times. These suggestions are effective for older children who are aware of the dangers of infection. Making a child wear it, on the other hand, appears to be a hassle for anyone under the age of 12.

So, to make things easier we have divided this section into two parts to knowing the training titbits:

Training at Home:  Training may necessitate a great deal of talent and, above all, patience. Children, on the other hand, are extremely attentive and adaptable, according to the findings. They also seem to absorb a lot from their surroundings. They will gladly wear a mask if their parents tell them that it is usual to do so, as long as you set a good example.

So, Dr Heather Weber, a paediatrician at INTEGRIS Family and Care, has suggested a few tips:

• Play with them: Begin by putting on a mask for a limited time and rewarding them with goodies or anything they would like to wear. The winner should be showered with gifts!
• Talk about their fears: Children have a lot of questions and doubts. You need to clear their doubts with a suitable and reasonable explanation. They are full of wits. It is advisable for you to ask questions and the fears they have developed in school, among friends regarding the ongoing pandemic. If possible, arrange for a child counsellor.
• Taking care: Children pick up information quickly. Assist them in understanding that wearing a mask protects not only themselves but also their loved ones and unknown people they meet and greet once they venture outside.
• Temporary situations fade away: It’s important to let them know that uncomfortable situations like wearing the mask is a temporary thing and it will soon fade away. Children might think that they have to wear a mask forever. So, you need to tell them that it’s not true. This is just an opportunity to learn a difficult lesson at an early age.
• Talk about your fears: No matter how worried you are, your kids need to resume school at all costs. Those child development charts found in Google will help you a lot. Make a note of the behaviour they depict. There are two types:
  1. A lot of “why” questions: Provide them with answers and information.
  2. Worriers: Provide them with small pieces of information rather than a whole chunk. At the end of the day, you do not want to scare them.

Every child has a unique need and demand. Reminding children of the necessity to wear masks all the time is also a good idea. However, if things are getting out of hand, little rewards here and there would always help.