Victoria Police have come under fire for slapping nearly 300 children with fines for not wearing a mask as the rule is criticised for being 'overly punitive'.
According to police statistics, 260 children - including 29 aged between 10 and 14 - have been hit with a fine for not wearing a mask in the 12 months to June this year.
The fines were handed out in public spaces like parks, train stations and footpaths where it is currently mandatory to wear a mask unless a lawful exception applies.
The obscure ruling on face coverings means children aged between 10 and 14 are being forced to cough up $40 and those aged between 15 and 18 fined $80.
Up to 260 children - including 29 aged between 10 and 14 - have been hit with a fine for not wearing a mask in the 12 months to June this year (pictured, students in Melbourne)
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) failed to wear a mask outside Parliament on two occasions last month and was fined $200 for each breach
Melbourne psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg told the Herald Sun he felt the ruling was 'overly punitive' and said disadvantaged children would be the most affected.
Katherine Ellis, CEO of the Youth Affairs Council Victoria, told the publication she hoped police were handing out 'masks and compassion' to young people, rather than costly punishments.
Current rules ask that a mask be worn by children over the age of 12 indoors and on public transport, unless they have an illness, disability or are exempt.
Children are not required to wear a face covering at home.
Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital paediatrician Jane Munro said the mask mandate was 'backed by good science' and will help prevent student absence.
'It is simple, it is safe. There are no health risks for a child wearing a mask. It is easy to do and it is also common sense,' she told reporters last month.
'Some people might still be confused about why we need to do this and it
