What teenagers wear can often be a source of bemusement and sometimes conflict. Now two schools have gone so far as to ban hoodies.
Hooded sweatshirts are deemed unsuitable because they are perfect for secretly texting your friends from the comfort of your class.
Two schools in Kansas have come up with the ban in a bid to stop this. Apparently these children can text in secret with their hands in the pockets of their hooded sweatshirts.
Children and mobile phones seem to be the source of quite a few problems -- perhaps all under 16s should be banned from having them.They have their phones set to vibrate and since they've memorised the keyboard, it's easy to reply. But one thing struck me about this scenario -- don't they have to take the phone out of their pockets to read the message?
One school in the district does allow sweatshirts with front pockets, as long as they are sewn up. I'm wondering if this is just a bit over the top.
Eyewitness News 12 in Kansas was told by one parent "I think it's kind of stupid, but you've got to keep the distractions out of school."
What do the pupils themselves think of the ban? Sixth grader Kayleigh Clement, told Eyewitnes News: "Kids shouldn't be that stupid to text during school."
These aren't the first schools to ban hoodies. In 2007 Lincoln Middle School in Meriden, Conn., stopped pupils wearing them because it was thought they would hide headphones under the hoods and listen to music in class.
Part of me, novice mother of a teenager that I am, thinks this is all so unnecessary. Whatever happened to trust? Teenagers deserve respect and if they are treated in a more adult way perhaps they will respond in kind.
But then, I'm not a teacher facing a class of 30 teens. Thank goodness. And while some might abide by the rules, there will always be the minority that don't and as a teacher you have to ensure everyone, even those who don't want to learn, have the best opportunity to do so.Do you think this ban is over the top? Or do you think teenagers should be treated with a heavy hand, particularly in school?
Source (Parentdish)