Wednesday, 21 September 2022

Petitions

Following petitions presented to house by Clerk:

Masks in schools

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the fact that the Department of Education has written to all parents advising them that school children in Years 3 and above are ‘expected’ to wear a mask indoors. This expectation is having the following consequences:

1. Negative impact on learning and communication (In the UK 94% of teachers and 80% of students surveyed said masks compromised learning)

2. Adverse affect on children’s mental health

3. Negative impact on socialization

4. Potential for bullying towards students who do not choose to wear a mask

5. Isolation and division among teachers and students over mask wearing

Numerous studies (eg Finland & Spain) have shown that mask wearing has no impact on the incidence of Covid and therefore this expectation is burdening children for no benefit.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly to call on the Minister for Education to

1. Demand the Department of Education rescinds this letter ‘expecting’ students to wear masks

2. Advises all students that they can go to school without any burden or guilt to wear a mask

By Mr HODGETT (Croydon) (298 signatures).