The Tragedy of Japan’s Masked Children

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people all over the world, and Japan is no exception. However, one of the most heartbreaking consequences of the pandemic in Japan has been the impact on children, particularly those who are forced to wear masks all day long.

The Tragedy of Masked Children

In Japan, it is common for children to wear masks during the winter months to protect themselves from colds and flu. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made mask-wearing mandatory for children in schools and other public places. This has had a profound impact on their physical and emotional well-being.

Physical Health

Wearing a mask for extended periods can cause a range of physical health problems for children. These include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, children have even fainted due to the lack of oxygen caused by wearing a mask.

Emotional Health

The impact on children’s emotional health has been equally devastating. Masks make it difficult for children to communicate with their peers and teachers, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Children are also unable to see facial expressions, making it difficult for them to understand the emotions of those around them.

Impact on Learning

The impact of mask-wearing on children’s learning has also been significant. Masks make it difficult for children to hear and understand their teachers, leading to a decline in academic performance. Children are also unable to participate in group activities and sports, further impacting their social and emotional development.

The Way Forward

The Japanese government has recognized the impact of mask-wearing on children and has taken steps to address the issue. For example, the government has provided schools with guidelines on how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission without requiring children to wear masks all day. The government has also provided funding for schools to improve ventilation and air quality.

Conclusion

The tragedy of Japan’s masked children highlights the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s physical and emotional well-being. While the Japanese government has taken steps to address the issue, more needs to be done to ensure that children can learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment

Original article Teaser

The Tragedy of Japan’s Masked Children

When the Japanese academic year started last month, students were no longer required to wear masks at school. But when 1,328 Japanese kids were asked whether they’d still keep masking from the beginning of the new school year, they inevitably gave depressing responses. 68% said they’d be wearing a mask anyway; just 5% said they wouldn’t. 27% said they’d wait and see what others were doing. Even more depressing were the reasons for saying ‘Yes’. 35% said they did want to show their face; 20% that they were still worried about COVID-19. Only 7% said it was due to peer pressure. A teacher at a high school in Osaka described the situation during the first month of optional masking. We put up posters in

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