Schools should be working on making the school going experience more manageable not more stifling. Below are the top 10 most usual school bans courtesy of ozteacher.com.au:
- Hugging This rule has been rolled out all over the country with school authorities suggesting it was introduced to protect children who may be hurt by the physical contact. The rule has been highly criticised by parents who say it is excessive.
- Handstands and cartwheels One Sydney school has banned handstands and cartwheels in the playground because it is too dangerous as the school doesn’t have enough ‘soft surfaces’.
- Red ink One Queensland school has banned its teachers from marking in red ink in case it upsets the children. It is suggested they use a ‘calming’ green ink instead. Traditionalists have condemned the ban as ‘absolutely barmy’, ‘politically correct’ and ‘trendy’.
- Having a best friend In the UK, teachers have banned school kids from having best pals so they don’t get upset by fall-outs. Instead, the primary pupils are being encouraged to play in large groups.
- Santa One Gold coast school sent a letter home to parents outlining the Kris Kringle tradition would now be referred to as ‘Secret Friends’ not ‘Secret Santa’. Education Queensland defended the ban, saying the teacher acted in a sensitive and respectful manner and in the best interests of all students, in line with their inclusive policy.
- Bikes Parents are “outraged” after an eco-friendly school in the UK banned pupils from cycling to school because of health and safety. Parents argue given childhood obesity is on the rise, promoting healthy eating and exercise is a must.
- Bake sales Several schools in Massachusetts placed a ban on school bake sales because it promoted unhealthy eating habits, but the decision was later overturned – meaning cupcakes, brownies and other biscuits will be spared the chopping block.
- Winning A few schools have decided to forgo the term ‘win’ in exchange for ‘doing your best’ and ‘completing.’
- Party invitations, unless the whole class is invited. This rule is becoming increasingly common in schools, and is enforced to avoid bullying and children feeling left out.
- Sunscreen One school in Washington State banned sunscreen on a student field day because it has so many additives and chemicals in it, it can cause allergic reactions. ABC News reports that because sunscreen is considered a medication in all 50 states with the exception of California, children are not allowed to bring it to school or apply it to themselves.
I must say I don’t have a problem with number 9, but I have a major problem with most of the rest.
Click on the link to read Rules that Restrict the Teacher and Enslave the Student
Click on the link to read This is What I Think of the No Hugging Rule at Schools
Click on the link to read Political Correctness at School
Click on the link to read What Are We Doing to Our Kids?
Click on the link to read Stop Banning Our Kids From Being Kids
Click on the link to read Banning Home-Made Lunches is a Dreadful Policy
Tags: banning bake sales, banning bikes from schools, banning having a best friend, banning red ink, banning Santa, banning winning in schools, Education, excessive school rules, Handstands and cartwheels, Santa, school bans, School Rules, sunscreen bans
Topical Teaching 
November 5, 2013 at 12:58 am |
1. I see children hug each other practically every day. Children sometimes hug their teachers or aides. Only someone with a warped mind would think to ban this natural expression of affection.
2. The only caveats I would suggest about handstands and cartwheels surround safety. There are some places in playgrounds where they could lead to injury from collisions.
3. I mark with whatever writing tool, pencil or pen, that I have to hand. I do not mark wrong answers in any way, thus affording the student the opportunity to try again for a perfect score. I’m a teacher, not a sorter and grader.
4. My best friend, right through primary and high school, and I used to occasionally fall out. As we grew older we learned from this that we could disagree with one another and still remain friends. It’s part of normal growth and development.
5. If the policy is so inclusive why exclude Santa? Why assassinate our traditions for fear of offending people from other traditions. It’s as foolish as Basil Fawlty going, “Don’t mention the war,” at the prospect of having German guests.
6. Plain nuts.
7. A better reason to ban bake sales is the possibility of harmful ingredients, such as nuts. I know of a school where a student died as the result of the use of peanut butter. On the other hand if goods baked for sale are prepared and baked at school control over ingredients is possible.
8. This is a reaction to the “win at all costs” philosophy. Children need to learn the difference between winning and success and the effort required each may be different.
9. Non sequitur.
10. Schools in Australia often supply sunscreen for the sake of protecting children at outdoor sporting events and swimming classes. I was at the swimming pool with a school today and most children wore protective swimwear. Teachers gave them sunscreen for exposed arms, legs and faces.
It seems to me, the longer I live, the more thoughtless rules are developed and enforced rigorously when common sense (wisdom) about when and which rules apply no longer exists.