First-Grader Refused To Take Off His Face Mask For School Photo Because His Mom Told Him To Keep It On

Mason People has been hailed on the internet after refusing to take off his mask for a school photo because his mom told him not to remove it unless he’s eating. The 6-Year-Old took the advice quite literally when he resumed his elementary school, where he’s enrolled in first grade. 

When Young Mason from Las Vegas was asked for his portrait, his photographer was left stunned when he politely declined to remove his face covering. “My mommy said to keep it on all the time unless I’m eating and far away from everybody.” Mason had said.

Mason Peoples went viral after he refused to remove his face mask for a school photo because his mother told him to keep it on at all times.

According to Mason’s mom, and as seen in her Facebook Post under the username Nicole People, the photographer responded, saying: “I’m sure it’s ok to take it off for your pictures.” But Mason wouldn’t defy his mom’s instructions, even for a class photograph. He added: “No. My mom seriously told me to make sure to keep it on.” 

Nicole, Mason’s mom, wrote she’s proud” of her son but acknowledged she “should have been more clear.”

The photographer then asked: “Are you sure you don’t want to take it off for two seconds?” Mason replied again: “No, thank you! I always listen to my mom!” At this point, the photographer realized there was no hope in persuading Mason, so he took the photo with the face-covering hiding his smile. “OK, say cheese! The photographer said. 

Nicole’s Facebook post went viral, and Mason has since become an internet sensation.

The post has since attracted over 23K emotional reactions and over 17K shares. Facebook users couldn’t help but praise Mason. Alis Meece wrote: “You should be proud! It has to be hard to stand up to an adult, but he had the confidence to stand up for what he thought was right. Good job, Mama!” 

Facebook users couldn’t help but praise Mason’s insistence.

Leila Anderson commented: “I love it! What an incredible keepsake from this crazy era we’re living through.” Nicole responded: “Thank you! Yes, I am so proud of my little guy.” However, the support online and people’s desire to buy Mason a treat have prompted a GoFundMe page launch. 

The page’s goal had been at a meager $7, with the expectation it would result in a few candy bars or ice cream, but the page has attracted donations, totaling over $22,000 as of last weekend. In an interview with CNN, Nicole said her granddad, who raised her and was a father figure, passed away in January after contracting COVID-19. 

People wanted to send the family gifts or money, and so a GoFundMe was launched. The fundraiser stood at more than $22,000 at this time of writing.

The loss made her children realize why it was necessary to keep wearing masks. “That experience makes Mason want to wear his mask and know that it’s protecting not only him but other people, his elders, and other people around him.” Nicole also claimed her son Mason diligently follows the rules around the house, including making his bed and cleaning his room.