Philip Morant School in Colchester, Essex, has come under fire from parents after introducing a "no physical contact" rule that reportedly bans high-fives and hugging. Pupils have been given detentions since the new guidance was brought in at the start of term, according to reports.
An online petition claims "normal, consensual physical interaction" has been banned and that this has had an impact on pupils' emotional wellbeing.
Head teacher responds to concerns
Head teacher Stephanie Neill said the secondary school and sixth form - which has approximately 1,700 pupils - was working to "define appropriate, consensual guidelines" and would modify behaviour expectations later this term. "Our top priority is ensuring our 1,900 students feel safe and comfortable moving around our school site," Mrs Neill said.
She explained that the expectation of no physical contact was put in place following "an increase in overly physical behaviour last term that disrupted learning and raised safety concerns", adding that students had responded "brilliantly" to the new rules.
She added: "But we do understand pupils want positive ways to greet and engage with their friends. We are currently working with our student leaders to define appropriate, consensual guidelines that reflect a focused learning environment and student wellbeing."
Parents demand balanced approach
Parents reacted angrily after their children were told of the new behaviour rules in a school assembly. The petition author wrote: "We fully support the school taking firm action against fighting, bullying, unwanted touching and unsafe or inappropriate behaviour.
"Our concern is the current rule prohibits all physical contact between pupils, including normal interactions such as hugging, high fives or comforting somebody who is upset. Pupils are receiving detentions and isolation for breaching this rule.
"We want to work with the school to find a more balanced approach that keeps our children safe and supports their wellbeing." Parents say they want appropriate behaviour to be recognised and encouraged, and not shown that all physical contact is wrong.
The petition says: "Rather than teaching children that all physical contact is wrong, we believe appropriate behaviour should be recognised and encouraged. Children should be given the opportunity to see and experience healthy friendships, kindness, empathy, respect for boundaries and positive social interaction.
"We want our children to learn what appropriate behaviour looks like, not simply be taught that all physical contact is inappropriate."
Government backs school leaders
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the government backed school leaders to tackle disruption through its new national behaviour support offer and other measures.
In 2023, a school in Chelmsford seemingly backtracked after telling parents it "did not tolerate" physical contact including "hugging" and "holding hands". A few days later, the head teacher wrote to families to clarify the rules.
