Dear [names],
Re: Temperature testing my son
I am writing to you in regards to your coronavirus protocols when my son, [name], returns to school in September. I understand that you may be subjecting him and the other pupils to regular temperature checks. I would like to register in writing that I do not consent to [name] receiving temperature checks of his forehead, and only give consent to his temperature being checked at the wrist.
This is because, having consulted with medical professionals, it is clear to me that repeated temperature testing at the forehead with an infrared ray has never been shown to be safe, and could cause significant harms, especially to a developing child.
When one aims an infrared ray at the forehead, one directly targets the pineal gland. In case you were not aware, the pineal gland is a small, pine-cone shaped gland of the endocrine system, a structure of the diencephalon of the brain. It produces the hormone melatonin, which influences sexual development and sleep/wake cycles. The pineal gland connects the endocrine system with the nervous system, and it converts nerve signals from the sympathetic system of the peripheral nervous system into hormone signals. The pineal gland is involved in several functions of the body, including the secretion of hormones, regulation of endocrine functions, and converting nervous system signals to endocrine signals. It causes sleepiness, and influences sexual development, immune system development, and antioxidant activity
In light of these facts, aiming an infrared gun at this vital brain structure, at a critical time of a child's development, raises many important questions regarding safety and short and long-term effects. As there is no compelling evidence to show that infrared rays do not damage the pineal gland, and as temperature checking is in any case more accurate at the wrist than the forehead, I only consent to my son being temperature checked at the wrist. I have advised him that he has my permission to firmly refuse if the school attempts to temperature test his forehead.
I am also attaching to this letter a statement from my son, stating that he does not consent to being temperature checked at the forehead. [Name] is Gillick competent and understands the issues involved, so if a forehead temperature check is conducted on him, it will have been under duress and therefore illegal.
In light of the information I have provided you with in this letter, I would also like you to consider abandoning forehead temperature testing entirely, and instead, conducting wrist-only testing on all pupils, as this is safer, more effective, and less alarming for pupils than having a gun aimed at their heads, the connotations of which can be highly unnerving for some.
Please respond to this letter at your earliest possible convenience acknowledging my revoking of consent for forehead temperature testing for my son.
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
STATEMENT FROM [MY SON]
I, [name], would like to state formally and for the record that I do not consent to being temperature checked at the forehead. I understand the issues involved and understand this procedure is not known to be safe, and that testing at the wrist is both safer and more effective. I understand that if the school pressurises me into being temperature checked at the forehead against my wishes, it will have been under duress, and therefore illegal.
Signed _____________________ Dated: ________________