With bank holiday just days away, it only means one thing - that going back to school is pretty much here. We have no idea where the summer has gone, but one thing we do know is that there is another school essential that has been added to our to-buy list: face masks for children and teenagers.
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Here are our top picks of the best face masks for children and teenagers
Clean Kidz Face Masks
Oscar Apparels Kids Reusable Face Mask
Little Blue House By Hatley Children's Double Layer Face Mask
3 Pack Cotton White and Pink Polka Dot Face Masks
Disney Face Masks, Pack of 4
PMR Fashion Cotton face Masks Multiple Pack of 5
Kids Cotton Animal Face Mask
Do kids need to wear face masks in school?
The Department for Education has updated its advice on face coverings in schools, "The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a new statement on the 21 August on when children should wear face coverings. They now advise that “children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a 1-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.”
"As a result, the government is revising its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England. Nationwide, while the government is not recommending face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances."
Read more about the update on face coverings in schools at GOV.UK
Now that you're up to speed on all the latest information around requirements of face masks, we've pulled together a guide to the best face masks for children and teenagers.
Shop: the best face masks for children and teenagers
1 of 10Clean Kidz Face Masks
Are your children heading back to school? If so, one essential item that they'll need to take with them this year is a face mask. If you haven't had the chance to grab some already, this brilliant pack of up to 50 masks is a great option.The only downside is that they're single-use, so you'll have to keep replacing them - plus, they aren't the most eco-friendly choice.Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars****Review: "These masks are the perfect size for little ones. My daughter is four, and they fit well. They are comfortable and not to hot in the current weather."
2 of 103 Pack Cotton White and Pink Polka Dot Face Masks
This pack of three face mask set is great for small children aged three to six. The pretty colours will help make wearing them around nursery and school easier.Features: Material: 100 per cent cottonWe love: The cute twist on such an important safety essential. Our favourite is the polka dot.
3 of 10Oscar Apparels Kids Reusable Face Mask
If you're looking for a pack of reusable face masks that are brightly coloured and fun, then you'll be sold on these. It's important to know that these are not medical masks and they're not suitable for anyone under three years of age.Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars****Review: "Good range of colours which appealed to my two girls. Good fit for 10-year-old, quite large for my 7-year-old, but easy to put a knot in the elastic either side to make it fit. Very soft fabric. Good buy."
4 of 10Little Blue House By Hatley Children's Double Layer Face Mask
Cloth face masks are all about the print and this red farm tractor design REALLY delivers. We think that this choice is perfect for primary school kids.Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars****Review: "It did not say what age this children's mask was for. However, on the packet, it says two year and above. I have a five-year-old and fits well. I would say it's not very big though, so OK for up to around a 7-year-old."
5 of 10Disney Face Masks, Pack of 4
Your little ones will love the new range of Disney face masks, which come in a range of designs, from old-favourite Mickey to Winnie The Pooh, princesses, and Toy Story. They're available in sizes S, M, L, and XL, so you can get them for the kids and for yourself too.
6 of 10PMR Fashion Cotton face Masks Multiple Pack of 5
Teenagers heading back to school are trickier to buy for, because they'll want the coolest looking masks. If you're looking for a fashion option at a reasonable price, these are the ones. Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars****Review: "Well made. Nice colours and a small pocket for a filter."
7 of 10Kids Cotton Animal Face Mask
Wow, these are the funniest face masks we've seen. The bold animal print is totally charming, and you can choose what character you get for your little one.Choose from:• Lion• Shark• Cat• Bunny• Tiger• DogOptional matching headbands and dress-up outfits are available.Review: "The tiger mask is lovely, my six-year-old actually enjoys wearing this one. Good quality but the ties have frayed quite a bit tying it to get a good fit."
8 of 10Non-Medical Face Covering 3pk - Multi
Each set of three has a mystery mix of our vibrant colours and prints, and a wire across the nose so you can fit them to your face.
9 of 10ASOS DESIGN 3 pack face covering in floral print and plain black
Teenagers who are into their fashion will love these face masks. With two pretty floral prints and one simple black design, they will go with school uniform and everyday outfits. Our favourite things about these masks are the elasticated straps with adjustable toggles and the nose clip for improved fit.
10 of 10Ally Kids Facemasks
Whether your child's three or 12-years-old, this practical face mask is great for everyday use. For up to 20 washes, this covering will use its nano filtration technology to block 95% of airborne particles. Review: Designed for smaller faces, this blue number was exactly as expected. Despite it being ÂŁ12 for only one mask, love the fact this is made from pure cotton and washes up nicely.
Lily Anderson is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, where she reviews products for titles like Heat, Closer, What’s the Best, Yours and Mother&Baby.