Masks for school students mandatory in several EU countries

Analysis: Amid a backlash in England over the rule change, we look at the rules in place in other countries

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The return of a requirement in England for secondary pupils to wear face masks in class has sparked a backlash at the start of the new term, but several EU countries have already adopted the measure even for primary school children.

Some Conservative MPs and parents' groups have objected to the move, warning of a long-term impact of masks on children's mental health and arguing that they they will have a longer-term effect on people's ability to learn and socialise.