Are 10-year-olds being FINED for not wearing masks?

Police have now responded to the viral claim.

It's a message we’ve been hearing since the start of the pandemic - "wear a mask."

But even in November 2021, face masks are still a divisive topic - especially in Victoria.

Right now, there’s growing anger from some after it was revealed that almost 1 child a week has been slapped with face mask fine in the state.

According to News Corp, 29 infringement notices have been given to those aged between 10 and 14 years old, in the 12 months to June of this year.

An age-by-age breakdown was not provided.

The report from news.com.au, Police issued the fines in public places, including streets, footpaths and train stations where outdoor masks were mandatory.

Others on social media have claimed that kids as young as 10 have been forced to pay up - but is that really the case?

Victoria Police says no.

In a reply to The Australian’s Sophie Elsworth on Twitter, they said it’s their policy that infringement notices, regardless of what they are for, are not issued to anyone under 14 years of age.

However, they also say other people under the age of 18 can be fined for failing to comply with the directions from the Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton.

The State Government website says that anyone 12 years and over must wear a fitted face mask indoors - and they’re also required for students in Grade 3 or above when inside school buildings.

(Originally aired here on November 7, 2021)

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