American Academy of Pediatrics: As school resumes with changing COVID protocols, here's what parents should know about masking and their children's development: 🧵

As school resumes with changing COVID protocols, here's what parents should know about masking and their children's development: 🧵 

During a child’s first few years, they rapidly develop communications skills. Parents and other caregivers help by reading, talking, singing and playing. The more words a child hears, the better. 

If caregivers are wearing masks, does that harm kids’ language development? No. There is no evidence of this. And we know even visually impaired children develop speech and language at the same rate as their peers. Masks are important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. During the pandemic, schools with mask policies had less spread of COVID in school. Masks may still be needed to keep kids safe. 

Regardless of mask use, some children will take longer to reach language milestones – and some may need help meeting them. Speech and language delays are common, but highly treatable. If you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician. Remember, babies and toddlers learn the most from their family. Families can help babies’ speech by planning screen-free time at home, including at meals, bath time, and play time. 

Learn more: Do Masks Delay Speech and Language Development? Some families may wonder whether continuous mask use may negatively affect their child's speech and language development. However, there is no evidence that mask use prevents or delays speech and lang… https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Do-face-masks-interfere-with-language-development.aspx • • •

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