A school in Japan abolished the rule prohibiting students from drinking water during class.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun , the principal of a junior high school in Okegawa City (Saitama Prefecture) has faced a wave of criticism since the new school year began in April.

At that time, the school issued a rule emphasizing: "In principle, it is considered polite not to drink (water or tea from a water bottle) during class or test time." The reason given by the school was that students easily lose concentration when reaching for a water bottle while the teacher is teaching.

However, this regulation has faced opposition from some parents who believe that students not drinking enough water during the hot season could affect their health.

In response, the Okegawa City Board of Education issued a notice on June 24 emphasizing that students should drink enough water.

Since then, the school has changed its policy to "no drinking water while teachers are talking in class or students are discussing in groups". However, this change continues to be condemned by parents and students.

The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper on October 11 quoted sources as saying that the school announced the abolition of the controversial rule in a notice sent to parents on October 4.

In the announcement, the school explained: "Given the actual situation at school, students can drink water whenever they want. There are no restrictions on the time of drinking water."

Students eat lunch in a classroom in Japan.

Previously, Japanese media reported on unreasonable school rules that attracted public attention.

In June 2024, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper quoted students reporting that a class at a junior high school also in Okegawa City (Saitama Prefecture) had some rules for the class that the students themselves created, such as not being allowed to eat snacks if they forgot to bring school supplies to class.

In 2022, nearly 200 Japanese schools announced the abolition of controversial rules on hair color and underwear for students. The Japanese Ministry of Education then noted that schools must obtain consensus from parents and students when issuing rules. In addition, schools must accept criticism and suggestions from parents and students to promptly adjust or supplement the rules.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mot-truong-o-nhat-ban-bo-noi-quy-cam-hoc-sinh-uong-nuoc-trong-gio-hoc-185241014160213804.htm