young girls hair length in school

[thaibeachlovers]

I pushed a senior Thai issue on this a few years back, eventually she admitted it was because she was worried if girls didn't get their hair cut, they'd be raped or older men would have difficulty identifying them as children.

The law for girls at school to have short hair was relaxed about a year later, in all schools. However, government schools are often run by people with larger egos than their brains can manage, and they are therefore well above any laws set from above.

A sad country makes them cut their hair for fear of being raped rather than castrate all rapists.

That doesn't make sense. A rapist has already done the deed, so the girl is already a victim. Castrating the rapist won't make her a non victim. Or are you saying that all men are rapists, as one woman told me back home, and castrate all men before they can rape?

Anyway, what's the big deal? Hair grows- we spend money to get it cut all the time and people make a living cutting hair. Just because she has short hair now doesn't mean it can't grow long later, which is the story for almost every Thai girl.

More important things to get stressed about.

[willyumiii]

It was a law, but it was "relaxed" about two years ago.

Now it varies from school to school.

Up to the director.

When the law changed, I questioned the school about why my daughter still need to have her hair short.

"It is not a law, but it is a rule of this school," I was told.

They also told me it was done to help reduce the spread of head lice, and that is a major problem in Thai schools.

Since then we have relocated ( not because of the hair issue ).

At her new school, girls are permitted to grow their hair as long as they like, unless they have head lice, in which case they are required to cut their hair.

Also, as another poster mentioned, if your school requires short hair on girls and you do not cut it, the school will cut it.

I have seen the hair cuts the school gives and believe me...you will be wise to cut it yourself before they do it!

And no, you have no recourse if you do not like them cutting her hair....it is common in Thailand, you can't stop them.

So, my advice is : Cut it, or move to a school district that permits longer hair.

[seajae]

our daughter had to have her hair tied up at school, plaited and pinned around the sides so it is not over her shoulders and that was at a private school last year. She is now at a public school that has a much higher class she needs to do to become a doctor and wears her hair down over her shoulders. I know if anyone cut my daughters hair without our approval they wouldnt be walking too well, in any other country it is considered as assault to lay hands on a student, I dont care who the hell they are they dont assault a child simply because they think they can do as they please. Also the government stopped the short hair rule so they do not have the authority at government schools to,enforce it anymore.

[thaibeachlovers]

our daughter had to have her hair tied up at school, plaited and pinned around the sides so it is not over her shoulders and that was at a private school last year. She is now at a public school that has a much higher class she needs to do to become a doctor and wears her hair down over her shoulders. I know if anyone cut my daughters hair without our approval they wouldnt be walking too well, in any other country it is considered as assault to lay hands on a student, I dont care who the hell they are they dont assault a child simply because they think they can do as they please. Also the government stopped the short hair rule so they do not have the authority at government schools to,enforce it anymore.

they wouldnt be walking too well, in any other country it is considered as assault to lay hands on a student, I dont care who the hell they are they dont assault a child simply because they think they can do as they please.

It's hard to believe that you have lived in Thailand long enough to have a daughter at school there.

For starters, I hope you enjoy your stay in the local nick for assaulting a teacher, and secondly, yes, they can do as they please.

Lastly, if the school rules say hair has to be a certain length, then that's the rule, and you must accept it or move elsewhere.

[AYJAYDEE]

And some of us would prefer that our children would develop their own identity other than the officially designated one.

then keep them at home! duh!

[NeverSure]

And some of us would prefer that our children would develop their own identity other than the officially designated one.

Nailed it. And this is the purpose behind the uniforms and haircuts.

I was going to continue but... End of.

[In Search of Space]

My adoptive daughter came to UK in 1990 at six years old with the standard Thai school haircut above the ears. When she started school in UK the headmaster asked me if they had school uniforms in Thailand. He was amazed when I told him Thailand had a national school uniform including the haircut. She grew her hair long and now is 30 with two beautiful kids, never wants to come back to Thailand

[NeverSure]

I disagree that challenging the school is a bad example for the child. One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

My parents went to the school and intervened on my (and their) behalf twice when I was growing up. It simply made me feel more secure at home. My parents were right both times and the school backed down. It was a good lesson for me in life.

One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

[thaibeachlovers]

I disagree that challenging the school is a bad example for the child. One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

My parents went to the school and intervened on my (and their) behalf twice when I was growing up. It simply made me feel more secure at home. My parents were right both times and the school backed down. It was a good lesson for me in life.

One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

If every other Thai child does not grow up questioning authority, and one Thai child is encouraged to do so, I can't see it ending well for the squeaky wheel.

If it is so important for a child to be different than the norm, perhaps the child should be taken to another country to be raised in a culture where individuality reigns supreme. Of course, they might turn out to be a spoiled little **** like many of the kids in my home country, but that's the risk one takes to bring up the little treasure ( sarcasm icon ).

[AYJAYDEE]

I disagree that challenging the school is a bad example for the child. One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

My parents went to the school and intervened on my (and their) behalf twice when I was growing up. It simply made me feel more secure at home. My parents were right both times and the school backed down. It was a good lesson for me in life.

One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

did your parents change an official school policy?

[NeverSure]

I disagree that challenging the school is a bad example for the child. One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

My parents went to the school and intervened on my (and their) behalf twice when I was growing up. It simply made me feel more secure at home. My parents were right both times and the school backed down. It was a good lesson for me in life.

One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

did your parents change an official school policy?

Yes. They defied it and the school backed down. Note that it was an individual school policy not enforced everywhere and not a law. Now, if you want to know specifics you can read the rest of this post.

I grew up on a large rural ranch about 20 miles from the school. I was needed at home right after school to help with the milk cow and other animal chores due to timing. Cows for instance are milked twice a day at a specific time or they quit giving milk.

It took me 1.5 hours to get home on the school bus due to the route it took and its stops. It took me less than 30 minutes to drive home.

I began driving one of the ranch pickups to school so I could get home earlier. I parked a couple of blocks from school on a public, legal parking street. It was against school rules for anyone to bring a car. It was either walk or ride the bus.

My parents pointed out that my driver's license came from the state and that the streets I was using were also public and didn't belong to the school, and that before I arrived on school property the school had no say in what I did.

The school backed down. Simple.

[beechguy]

And some of us would prefer that our children would develop their own identity other than the officially designated one.

Nailed it. And this is the purpose behind the uniforms and haircuts.

I was going to continue but... End of.

Is that why the Catholics in the U.S. have so much trouble?

[thaibeachlovers]

I disagree that challenging the school is a bad example for the child. One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

My parents went to the school and intervened on my (and their) behalf twice when I was growing up. It simply made me feel more secure at home. My parents were right both times and the school backed down. It was a good lesson for me in life.

One of the problems with Thai kids is that they are taught to never question authority.

did your parents change an official school policy?

Yes. They defied it and the school backed down. Note that it was an individual school policy not enforced everywhere and not a law. Now, if you want to know specifics you can read the rest of this post.

I grew up on a large rural ranch about 20 miles from the school. I was needed at home right after school to help with the milk cow and other animal chores due to timing. Cows for instance are milked twice a day at a specific time or they quit giving milk.

It took me 1.5 hours to get home on the school bus due to the route it took and its stops. It took me less than 30 minutes to drive home.

I began driving one of the ranch pickups to school so I could get home earlier. I parked a couple of blocks from school on a public, legal parking street. It was against school rules for anyone to bring a car. It was either walk or ride the bus.

My parents pointed out that my driver's license came from the state and that the streets I was using were also public and didn't belong to the school, and that before I arrived on school property the school had no say in what I did.

The school backed down. Simple.

That is a completely different situation, as it was about what happened OUTSIDE the school, and obviously the school had no right to dictate that. Haircuts are affecting INSIDE the school and as such are subject to school rules. If one denies the right of schools to have rules, that would lead to anarchy, and I'm sure no one wants that. If one disagrees with a specific rule, get the board to change the rules, otherwise take the child to a different school, or just shut up. When I was at school, senior boys could beat junior boys- doesn't happen now. Sometimes it just takes time and changing mores, but it's not going to happen today.

[NeverSure]

And some of us would prefer that our children would develop their own identity other than the officially designated one.

Nailed it. And this is the purpose behind the uniforms and haircuts.

I was going to continue but... End of.

Is that why the Catholics in the U.S. have so much trouble?

IMHO there are many people who are messed up from going to Catholic schools. Children shouldn't be treated like automatons.

I read so many threads on this site about how Thai public schools don't allow students to question things and don't allow critical thinking etc. that this thread really surprises me. Seriously.

[NeverSure]

Yes. They defied it and the school backed down. Note that it was an individual school policy not enforced everywhere and not a law. Now, if you want to know specifics you can read the rest of this post.

I grew up on a large rural ranch about 20 miles from the school. I was needed at home right after school to help with the milk cow and other animal chores due to timing. Cows for instance are milked twice a day at a specific time or they quit giving milk.

It took me 1.5 hours to get home on the school bus due to the route it took and its stops. It took me less than 30 minutes to drive home.

I began driving one of the ranch pickups to school so I could get home earlier. I parked a couple of blocks from school on a public, legal parking street. It was against school rules for anyone to bring a car. It was either walk or ride the bus.

My parents pointed out that my driver's license came from the state and that the streets I was using were also public and didn't belong to the school, and that before I arrived on school property the school had no say in what I did.

The school backed down. Simple.

That is a completely different situation, as it was about what happened OUTSIDE the school, and obviously the school had no right to dictate that. Haircuts are affecting INSIDE the school and as such are subject to school rules. If one denies the right of schools to have rules, that would lead to anarchy, and I'm sure no one wants that. If one disagrees with a specific rule, get the board to change the rules, otherwise take the child to a different school, or just shut up. When I was at school, senior boys could beat junior boys- doesn't happen now. Sometimes it just takes time and changing mores, but it's not going to happen today.

I agree with your main point and it's well taken. But it doesn't change the clear fact that Thai children are taught not to question authority and are denied critical thinking. I hear that complaint here regularly. If I had a child in school in Thailand I'd have to figure out how to avoid that entirely, and consider my options, of which there are several.

[beechguy]

And some of us would prefer that our children would develop their own identity other than the officially designated one.

Nailed it. And this is the purpose behind the uniforms and haircuts.

I was going to continue but... End of.

Is that why the Catholics in the U.S. have so much trouble?

IMHO there are many people who are messed up from going to Catholic schools. Children shouldn't be treated like automatons.

I read so many threads on this site about how Thai public schools don't allow students to question things and don't allow critical thinking etc. that this thread really surprises me. Seriously.

No doubt that some have problems, my crazy ex-wife was one. Otherwise, I don't think having some discipline and a dress code hurt the rest of her family. Her brother had a successful law career and is a District Attorney, his wife a Federal Judge, his sisters in nursing, and one is a teacher, all productive and active in the community. Considering the current state of the U.S. school systems, I think we could learn something.

[Topdeck]

I think we have gone off the track a wee bit. The previous director aloud children to grow their hair. This was greated with pleasure by the children at the school. A good proportion whom immediately started to let their her grow. He has left after 2 years unfortunately to pursue his own career and found the school too small (80 students)the director in his place has come out of retirement, she worked at this school previously and is old school. This is the purpose of the visit. And I visit every event, meeting, home visit, were it involves the childrens interest, be it personal or education.

[thaibeachlovers]

Yes. They defied it and the school backed down. Note that it was an individual school policy not enforced everywhere and not a law. Now, if you want to know specifics you can read the rest of this post.

I grew up on a large rural ranch about 20 miles from the school. I was needed at home right after school to help with the milk cow and other animal chores due to timing. Cows for instance are milked twice a day at a specific time or they quit giving milk.

It took me 1.5 hours to get home on the school bus due to the route it took and its stops. It took me less than 30 minutes to drive home.

I began driving one of the ranch pickups to school so I could get home earlier. I parked a couple of blocks from school on a public, legal parking street. It was against school rules for anyone to bring a car. It was either walk or ride the bus.

My parents pointed out that my driver's license came from the state and that the streets I was using were also public and didn't belong to the school, and that before I arrived on school property the school had no say in what I did.

The school backed down. Simple.

That is a completely different situation, as it was about what happened OUTSIDE the school, and obviously the school had no right to dictate that. Haircuts are affecting INSIDE the school and as such are subject to school rules. If one denies the right of schools to have rules, that would lead to anarchy, and I'm sure no one wants that. If one disagrees with a specific rule, get the board to change the rules, otherwise take the child to a different school, or just shut up. When I was at school, senior boys could beat junior boys- doesn't happen now. Sometimes it just takes time and changing mores, but it's not going to happen today.

I agree with your main point and it's well taken. But it doesn't change the clear fact that Thai children are taught not to question authority and are denied critical thinking. I hear that complaint here regularly. If I had a child in school in Thailand I'd have to figure out how to avoid that entirely, and consider my options, of which there are several.

Nothing new about that. I was "educated" in a private school where bullying was institutionalised and teachers taught with the cane. Independent thought was not encouraged. However, I grew up to be the squeaky wheel at work, so a rote education can be overcome.

[NoshowJones]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

[thaibeachlovers]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

As an adult, I have other people telling me what to do all my life. Society is full of rules, written and unwritten.

Why should children be excused from rules?

In the west the little darlings have been spoiled rotten and indulged, so much so that they grow up thinking society owes them everything, and it's a shock when they find out it doesn't.

An education should also be about life, and in life there are rules, period.

[willyumiii]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

And a very important parts of that education should be discipline and respect for authority.

You are not well prepared for life as a responsible adult without them.

[Topdeck]

Official rules are one thing but this seems to be an personal ruling by the director, and to tell the children that if they don't cut their hair they will not be entered into school competitions is mental bullying to the worst degree

[Puyai]

Just tie her hair up. Problem solved.

[thaibeachlovers]

Official rules are one thing but this seems to be an personal ruling by the director, and to tell the children that if they don't cut their hair they will not be entered into school competitions is mental bullying to the worst degree

If she's the director, she can make the rules, or are you saying she has no power? That's what being the boss is about. If parents don't like it, they can get her replaced or send the kid to another school.

As for telling the children that if they don't cut their hair they will not be entered into school competitions, that seems to be better than beating them ( as would have happened to me if I had broken school rules ), or forcibly cutting their hair as apparently happens in other schools, or would you prefer that?

For goodness sake, it's only hair, and that grows all the time. What's the the big deal? It's not like the kid is the only girl in school with short hair.

[NoshowJones]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

As an adult, I have other people telling me what to do all my life. Society is full of rules, written and unwritten.

Why should children be excused from rules?

In the west the little darlings have been spoiled rotten and indulged, so much so that they grow up thinking society owes them everything, and it's a shock when they find out it doesn't.

An education should also be about life, and in life there are rules, period.

That's what's wrong with life, there are far too many rules, yes, some are necessary, some are not, personally, I am not going to start obeying other peoples rules if I don't agree with them. If you want to, then why bother getting out of bed in the morning? As for your 'little darlings' some are spoiled rotten as you say, mostly rich kids, and some are not.

I get the impression that you don't like kids, and I agree with you that education should also be about life, but what has that got to do with young boys getting their heads shaved. it's ridicules, so I suppose we will have to agree to disagree on this.

[NoshowJones]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

And a very important parts of that education should be discipline and respect for authority.

You are not well prepared for life as a responsible adult without them.

Yes, discipline is necessary up to a point, but as for respect for authority, that's fine if the authority earns that respect, a person, or an authority, has got to prove they are worthy of that respect.

[Topdeck]

Conforming to school policy is one thing, and as the previous director aloud hair growth for the young girls then this seems a personal opinion of the re-enstated director who, as stated earlier had the hair of girls cit by teachers, my little girl included. This is not the army, it is school and as such it should be teaching not dictating. The reason for the visit is to understand her reasoning for the course of action threatened upon the children.

[willyumiii]

The school has a rule that the kids get hair cuts, what's the big deal?

There's plenty big deal, no one should have any right to dictate to others about the length of their hair. School is for education, not for people to decide how a students hairstyle should be.

As an adult, I have other people telling me what to do all my life. Society is full of rules, written and unwritten.

Why should children be excused from rules?

In the west the little darlings have been spoiled rotten and indulged, so much so that they grow up thinking society owes them everything, and it's a shock when they find out it doesn't.

An education should also be about life, and in life there are rules, period.

That's what's wrong with life, there are far too many rules, yes, some are necessary, some are not, personally, I am not going to start obeying other peoples rules if I don't agree with them. If you want to, then why bother getting out of bed in the morning? As for your 'little darlings' some are spoiled rotten as you say, mostly rich kids, and some are not.

I get the impression that you don't like kids, and I agree with you that education should also be about life, but what has that got to do with young boys getting their heads shaved. it's ridicules, so I suppose we will have to agree to disagree on this.

"I am not going to start obeying other peoples rules if I don't agree with them."

What a childish, selfish and irresponsible statement!

Very few if any laws and rules are agreed on by everyone.

But they need to be followed by all.

Those with your attitude and break laws they disagree with will eventually end up being incarcerated, fined or punished in some way.

If people only followed the rules they agree with, the world would be in chaos.

This is the kind of dangerous attitude children who are not taught respect and discipline in school grow up with.

If you strongly disagree with a rule or law, you should work to change that rule or law, not disobey it.

What kind of school did you go to???

[NoshowJones]

Willy, I stand by what I say, maybe I put things a bit strongly, I have gone through my life without any criminal convictions, and have obeyed most laws, there is common sense involved here too, and I have never, and would never do anything that has a negative effect on the ordinary people.

I will give you an example, though I can only refer to the UK here. Do you honestly believe that any self employed person pays the correct amount of income tax on their earnings? The very people who make the laws are breaking them all the time, what is for the goose is for the gander, if you are a working class person from the UK, you will know what I mean.

As for my school, I had a normal education and left school at sixteen, I had respect for most teachers, but there were also a minority I did not have respect for.

[willyumiii]

Willy, I stand by what I say, maybe I put things a bit strongly, I have gone through my life without any criminal convictions, and have obeyed most laws, there is common sense involved here too, and I have never, and would never do anything that has a negative effect on the ordinary people.

I will give you an example, though I can only refer to the UK here. Do you honestly believe that any self employed person pays the correct amount of income tax on their earnings? The very people who make the laws are breaking them all the time, what is for the goose is for the gander, if you are a working class person from the UK, you will know what I mean.

As for my school, I had a normal education and left school at sixteen, I had respect for most teachers, but there were also a minority I did not have respect for.

Interesting..

I honestly believe that honest people pay their taxes, all of their taxes.

It seems you did not respect your teachers and school enough to finish your education.

Thanks, now I understand your attitude a little better.