Primary school children should not be made wear face masks in the classroom, according to new expert advice. The benefit of children under 13 using a face mask is likely to be small and may be affected by their reduced ability to wear it, a new report from the patient watchdog Hiqa said. In advice to the National Public Health Team (Nphet) it said any decision to require or recommend face mask use in children must be balanced against perceived disadvantages associated with their use, for example, potential effects on communication. Dr Máirín Ryan, Hiqa’s deputy chief executive and director of health technology assessment, said: “It is important that schools remain open to support children’s educational, social, and emotional development.