JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This study investigated perceptions and misinformation regarding the COVID-19 mask mandate at school board meetings (SBM) held within five of Tennessee's largest school districts. With widespread debate over pandemic measures, including mask usage in schools, understanding community sentiments is crucial for guiding public health policies.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints of parents, caregivers, and educators regarding COVID-19 safety protocols, particularly the mask mandate, and to identify the misinformation circulating within school board meetings.

Methods:

Participants’ commentaries were extracted from SBM recordings that were publicly uploaded to YouTube from August through September 2021. The data were examined qualitatively to capture themes related to concerns, support, and misinformation.

Results:

Many parents/caregivers gave personal accounts of how the pandemic had impacted them, their children, and their communities describing significant comorbidities, adverse psychosocial impacts, mental health disorders, learning difficulties, and worsening socioeconomic and educational disparities. Several parents opposed COVID-19 safety measures (i.e., mask usage, social distancing, and contact tracing) and expressed concerns about the side effects (i.e., respiratory infections, behavioral changes, and breathing discomfort) associated with masks. Few parents/caregivers expressed concerns that the mask mandate was unconstitutional and infringed on personal liberty. Debunked claims that portrayed masks as being ineffective and responsible for some children’s respiratory infections, socio-behavioral changes, learning loss, and breathing difficulties were disseminated. Fatigue, burnout, limited paid leave during quarantine, low staffing numbers as well as mixed messaging, and lack of support from school districts were cited by educators. Several school staff described implementing the mask mandate as challenging, especially for younger grade-level students.

Conclusions:

While some parents and caregivers opposed COVID-19 mitigation measures, others supported them. This highlights the need for health officials and policymakers to engage in proactive health promotion strategies. Strengthening public health communication and providing support for educators will be essential to ensure safe and effective learning environments during future public health crises.