School is probably one of the most cherished moments of life, filled with memories of fun and friendship. Even though students often dislike many rules, there are some even stranger rules around the world that might leave you in awe.
Here are some of the most unusual school rules from around the globe:
1. No Best Friends Allowed
Friendships are an important part of life. However, at Thomas’s School in the UK, students are not allowed to have best friends. The rule aims to protect children from the potential trauma of broken friendships. But one wonders, what will happen when they face friendship breakups later in life without this early experience?
2. No Red Pens for Teachers
Many of us dreaded receiving a red-marked ‘F’ on our schoolwork. To avoid the negativity associated with red ink, some schools in the UK prohibit teachers from using red pens. Instead, they use green pens to mark students’ work.
3. Naps at Noon
Gaoxin Elementary School in China encourages students to take noon naps. With lunchtime at 12:10 pm and classes resuming at 2 pm, it can be challenging for parents to pick up their children for such a short period. Napping helps students feel refreshed for their afternoon classes. During nap time, a teacher watches over the students, perhaps contributing to the school’s high standards.
4. Banning Relationships
Dating among school students is common, but in Japan, schools have banned relationships to help students focus more on their studies.
5. No Good Appearance Allowed
Some Japanese schools prohibit students from wearing makeup, shaving their legs, or painting their nails. This rule is also followed by some schools in India.
6. Ban on High Fives and Hugs
In England and the US, many schools have long banned physical contact like high-fives and hugs among students, arguing that it interferes with their academic experience.
7. Limited Bathroom Visits
Evergreen Park High School in Chicago restricts students to only three bathroom visits per semester. This rule aims to prevent students from missing classes by using the bathroom as an excuse.
8. Divider Between Male and Female Students
In a university in Kabul, Afghanistan, a classroom photo went viral showing a curtain used as a divider between male and female students, ensuring they do not attend classes together.
These bizarre school rules from different parts of the world highlight the diverse ways in which educational institutions operate and the unique regulations they enforce.