10 Weird SCHOOL RULES From Around The World

Summary

This video explores 10 unusual school rules from around the world, including Japan's superstition-driven ban on multiple good luck bracelets, France's prohibition of ketchup in school cafeterias to preserve traditional cuisine, and the UK's no best friend policy to promote inclusivity. It also touches on Germany's toy-cone tradition for first graders, China's mandated post-lunch naps, and the no touching rule in US and UK schools. The video concludes with a call for viewer opinions on these rules.

Takeaways

• 🇯🇵 Japan has strict school rules, including limiting students to wearing only one good luck bracelet to avoid 'cheating.'
• 🇫🇷 In France, ketchup is banned in school cafeterias to preserve the integrity of traditional French cuisine.
• 🇺🇸 Nebraska schools have eliminated terms like 'boy' and 'girl' to create a more inclusive environment for transgender students.
• 🇩🇪 German first graders receive a cone filled with toys and candy on their first day of school as part of a tradition.
• 🇬🇧 In the UK and Australia, teachers are prohibited from using red ink for grading because it is seen as confrontational.
• 🇨🇳 In China, older children are allowed to take 30-minute naps on their desks after lunch to encourage better learning.
• 🇬🇧 Some UK schools have banned best friends to avoid the emotional fallout from breakups and encourage inclusiveness.
• 🇺🇸 In several U.S. states and parts of England, physical contact like hugs and high fives is banned in schools.
• 🇺🇸 A Texas elementary school banned Christmas trees and the colors red and green at its winter party, despite violating the state's 'Merry Christmas' bill.
• 🇮🇶 In Mosul under ISIS, strict religious rules segregated students and staff by gender and banned national history and non-religious content.

Q & A

What is the reason behind Japan’s strict school rules regarding good luck bracelets?

In Japan, students are only allowed to wear one good luck bracelet. This rule is based on the belief that wearing more than one bracelet is considered a form of cheating, reflecting the country's spiritual beliefs and superstitions.

Why is ketchup banned in French school cafeterias?

Ketchup is banned in French school cafeterias to preserve the integrity of traditional French cuisine. French teenagers were using so much ketchup that it was making the food seem 'too Americanized.' Students can only get a small serving of ketchup with fries.

How have schools in Nebraska addressed gender inclusiveness?

In Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools have eliminated gender-specific terms like 'boy' and 'girl' to be more inclusive of transgender students. Teachers and students are encouraged to use neutral terms like 'campers,' 'students,' or 'kids' instead.

What is the German tradition of Schultüte, and when is it practiced?

The German tradition of Schultüte is practiced on the first day of first grade, where students receive a cone filled with toys and candy to celebrate starting school. It is seen as a last moment of fun before students face the seriousness of education.

Why are teachers in some parts of the UK and Australia prohibited from using red ink to grade papers?

Teachers in some areas of the UK and Australia cannot use red ink to grade papers because red is considered confrontational and threatening. Instead, they use more soothing colors like blue, purple, or even pencil to avoid upsetting students.

Why are students in China allowed to take naps during school hours?

In China, students are allowed to take a 30-minute nap after lunch because scientific studies suggest that napping improves learning. However, health experts recommend softer materials for napping, as desks can cause uneven muscle development.

What is the reasoning behind the ban on best friends in certain schools in the UK?

In parts of the UK, students are discouraged from having best friends to avoid emotional distress from 'breakups' and promote inclusiveness. Critics argue that this policy hinders children's ability to form close friendships, an important part of early learning.

Why do some schools ban physical contact like high fives or hugs?

Some schools in places like California and Cambridge, England have banned physical contact such as high fives or hugs to prevent unwanted touching and maintain focus on education. Critics claim the rule stifles teenage physical and emotional expression.

Why was Christmas banned from a Texas elementary school’s winter party in 2013?

Nicholls Elementary School in Texas banned Christmas trees, red and green colors, and any reference to Christmas from their winter party in 2013, despite violating the state's 'Merry Christmas' bill. The ban was meant to avoid religious affiliations.

How are schools in Mosul affected by ISIS’s influence on education?

Under ISIS control, schools in Mosul enforce strict gender segregation and follow a curriculum based on Sharia law. This includes banning any mention of Iraq’s history, literature, and even patriotic poetry, which are viewed as infidel and blasphemous.