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Young reporter wants to 'mask in peace'

BBC Seren looks into camera with mask over faceBBC
Seren says she is regularly abused when she wears a mask in public

A teenager who says she's been "coughed on, called names and physically intimidated" for wearing a mask in public wants people to understand why she chooses to cover up.

Two of Seren's family members are considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) which makes them more susceptible to infections which they find harder to fight off.

The 17-year-old from County Down believes there is a lack of understanding of the impact infections can still have on those who have compromised immune systems.

Seren told her story to the BBC as one of the winners of the young reporter competition, which gives young people aged 11-18 the opportunity to raise issues that are important to them.

family Seren and her mum Donna and sister Molly wearing masks in Belfast city centrefamily
Seren out shopping with her mum and sister in Belfast while masking

Seren wears a respirator mask to help protect her 12- year-old sister Molly, who has a range of conditions that make her more vulnerable.

She also wants to protect her dad Chris, who was left with a condition that weakened his immune system after being treated for cancer.

The teenager said she was regularly questioned by people about why she was still covering up.

"I have been forced to disclose personal, medical information about my dad and sister to justify my reasons for masking," she added

family Seren and her mum and sister stand with some donkeys on a day outfamily
Seren and her family wear respirator masks which are more effective at filtering virus particles

Seren said some of the comments made to her have had a big impact on her mental health.

In the past she has been asked what she would do if someone ripped the mask off her face and has been told it is no wonder she's getting bullied.

"I can choose to wear a respirator and should be free to do so without being challenged, after all, me wearing a mask has no impact on other people," she said.

While she believes it would be a benefit to everyone if masks were worn in health care settings, at this stage, all she asks is that "you let me mask in peace".

You can find stories by other young people on the Young Reporter website.