School scraps no-contact rule to allow ‘dapping’ but no ‘bone squashing’

A school has scrapped its controversial ‘no physical contact’ policy to allow pupils to shake hands and ‘dap’ each other up.

However, any touching that results in ‘bone squashing’ will still be banned at Philip Morant School and College in Colchester.

The school was criticised after parents claimed some pupils had been given detentions for hugging or high-fiving their friends.

On Monday, the school published a five-page slideshow document outlining permitted physical contact, which includes ‘fist bumps’ and handshakes.

Head teacher Stephanie Neill said they had worked ‘closely’ with students to establish a new policy.

The initial no-contact rule was brought in at the start of term, at which point students were informed of it during assembly.

It came after ‘an increase in overly physical behaviour last term that disrupted learning and raised safety concerns,’ Neill said.

But an online petition protesting the rule garnered 350 signatures, and the school backtracked.

Now, Neill said an ‘appropriate’ level of physical contact will be permitted, with the school having consulted with parents and ‘student leaders’.

Examples of ‘appropriate’ physical contact included handshakes; ‘dapping’, a more informal type of handshake popular among young people; fist bumps; and high fives.

The school said these types of interactions were only permitted if both people had consented and the action was not malicious or disrespectful.

It also said physical contact should not cause students to be late, take place in classrooms, or involve ‘bone squashing’.

Tripping up and ‘birthday bumps’ are still not permitted.

In a statement, Neill said: ‘We would also praise our students who have continued to conduct themselves as we would expect.’

Asked by the BBC about the no-contact policy, the Department for Education said last month that it provided guidance and measures to help schools make their own choices.

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