PITTSBURGH (Newsradio KDKA) - I am not a parent. I am just a tax payer forced to help defray the costs of sending kids to public schools. So, it was interesting to watch arguments over masks unfold over the last month in the lead up to the school year. SIDE NOTE: I feel the school year should NEVER begin before Labor Day.
However, this editorial is about stupidity of a different stripe. Oh, it still involves the kids. It still involves the schools. And, it still involves parents. But, as a non-breeding taxpayer I am relegated to an observational role on this one.
From my catbird seat - not many seemed rational in regards to the recent ‘school/mask’ debate. No one seemed to look at this as an adult. It was either their way or a seemingly full-blown temper tantrum in the aisle of a store in which they did not get their special snack or toy. You know exactly the scene. Spoiled parents did not get their way at the meeting so they tried to take their ball and go home. My way or the highway. Some parents flopped around screaming and yelling. Others banged their fists. Some went outside and ate worms…whatever. Like most other embarrassing public behavior - everyone lost.
Yup. Dad stepped in and took away the video games and the ice cream and sent everyone to bed early. Congratulations. All of our school-aged kids are now paying the price because parental behavior resulted in a Commonwealth-sized time-out.
Some parents blew gaskets when a school board decided to allow student choice in wearing masks this Fall. Others blew gaskets because they did not want any school administrators telling their kids what to do. They wanted absolutely no one telling them to wear a mask. Yet, others wanted to tell absolutely everyone to wear a mask. The issue was all over the news. Now, every child has to pay the price because parents on both sides, whether I agreed with their initial argument or not, could not act like rational adults.
So, Dad had to step in and everyone lost. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, who initially decided to allow individual school districts to decide whether or not kids should wear masks based on the severity of Covid in their region, had enough of the arguing. Just like the end of any other family outing in which noise from the back seat reaches a crescendo of: ‘I want McDonald’s…Dad, Tommy is picking his nose. Can we have Wendy’s? Dad, Janelle won’t stop flicking her hair. Dad, I have to pee. His feet smell. Dad, Bruce is on my side of the seat. Can I sit by the window? Are we almost there? Dad, she won’t sit still. Turn the radio up. Turn the radio down. When can we listen to my song? Dad. Dad. DAD!’
No one would listen. Everyone seemed to be yelling. So, Governor Wolf turned the car around! He made the decision for all of you. Like it? Lump it!
A virus will spread regardless of quarreling. Yes, masks can help. However, what many failed to realize through all the bickering is that children under age 12 cannot be vaccinated and, for now, can have lower rates of illness and show fewer symptoms. But that can change rapidly in an indoor group setting. Be smart. Infection rates seem to increase as age increases. However, younger kids could be asymptomatic carriers - just like an adult who is vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. If you are really concerned about junior spreaders then vaccinate the older folks in your household.
Yes, vaccines are highly protective against severe illness and death but new data shows natural immunity following infection offers greater protections against the Delta variant. That said, I do not recommend ‘infection parties.’ Plus, the jury is still out on the effectiveness of supplements like vitamin D or zinc but those with Covid have often shown lower amounts in their systems. Historically, garlic helps with social distancing. HA! It is also true that good ventilation plays a huge role in limiting transmission. How about opening up a window, teach?
And, yes, young students may have a hard time following directives, reading social cues, or learning vocal and phonics cues while masked. It is also true that research on masking in schools is limited with varying results. A study of 169 Georgia schools with various mask requirements found that masks may lower transmission rates by about 20%. Meanwhile, a study of mask wearing in 600 rural villages in Bangladesh published in the Journal Science found Covid cases dropped 9%. I’d take the odds over a ventilator. But, also note that, prior to vaccine availability, infection rates soared even as masking was mandated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that masking is an ‘effective strategy to create consistent messaging, expectations, enforcement, and compliance…’ Hardly scientific language. And, N95 masks may be too big for your cute little child’s face to be effective. Also, cloth masks are not great at filtering out aerosolized particles - especially when so many wear them improperly. So, what is the point? The pandemic is not black & white. Many get sick in spite of taking every precaution. Maybe masks are simply a great unifier and morale builder similar to a pep rally. ‘Yeah, team mask! Goooo, Maskers! Yeah!’
Sure, maybe masking is a behavioral ‘nudge policy’ by those seeking control. Maybe it will save a loved one’s life. However, 19 months in and the situation remains fluid. There are still many unanswered questions. Regardless, decisions involving the peace-of-mind and safety of hundreds or thousands of kids and staffers in each school had to be made.
Because the children sitting at the adult table could not come to terms or find a compromise the real kids in this situation are paying the price and getting mixed messages. Nice job, mom. Thanks, dad. No wonder many fear the state seemingly wants to raise your kids or, possibly, even give them vaccines without your consent. Can I get my tax money back? I’ll donate it to a private school.
Remember, someone else likely began raising the offspring when we first dropped them off at daycare at age 6 weeks. Hopefully, you got them back in time for dinner or a bedtime story. My how fast they grow. How did all those really important meetings or golf outings turn out?
If the loudmouths on each side of what was essentially a theoretical argument could have sat quietly it is quite possible that a simple, safe, rational compromise could have been achieved. A Covid compromise that a pragmatic 3rd grader could have drafted:
1. Each child’s hands would be sprayed with sanitizer after exiting the bus or walking to the school door.
2. Each child would have their temperature taken via a forehead thermometer as they arrived at the school’s front door. (Instant testing would be too expensive)
3. Each child should wear an N95 mask because it has been proven to be most effective. The others are for fashion and simply become germ harbors or glorified Kleenex’s.
4. Each child would walk to their classroom. Hands sprayed upon entering the class.
5. Once the child is seated at their desk the teacher would walk up the aisle to give them a sanitary wipe so the student can wipe off their desk and surroundings.
6. The N95-masked teacher would then walk up the aisle with a trash can in which the student would place the used sanitary wipe.
7. Once class begins, each student (and teacher) can remove their mask, if they so choose, while they sit at their desks quietly as the teacher instructs.
8. As class ends, masks can be sprayed with a sanitizer, or replaced, and then reapplied to Poindexter’s face until they go to the next classroom.
9. REPEAT PROCESS
10. At lunch time each student’s temperature would be checked as they enter the cafeteria. (You never know if a parent doped a semi-sick kid up with Benadryl before busing them in)
This imperfect plan may result in some temporary inconvenience for a few months until the current surge and resulting fears and hysteria subside but it beats the idea of your kid sitting masked while getting drowsy breathing cotton fibers and their own CO2 all day in a stifling, humid classroom.
If you cannot get along or find a school that completely suits your mask preference then have your kid stay home and attempt to learn virtually again this year…or put them to work. There are plenty of help wanted signs.
Kevin Battle takes his own precautions and does not demand that you mask or show proof of vaccine in his presence. He is Co-Host of the KDKA Radio Morning Show with Larry Richert. It airs M-F 5a-9a on Pittsburgh’s 100.1FM & AM1020 KDKA or on the free Audacy app. Ask your smartspeaker to: ‘Play KDKA.’ Thank you.