Main Entrance

1. Cleaning the classroom (Japan)

In Japan, students clean their own classrooms and hallways at the end of the day. They do not have many cleaners at school. This helps students learn to take care of their space and work together as a team.

2. No ketchup at lunch (France)

In many French schools, students cannot use ketchup with their food. Schools want children to enjoy the real taste of French food. They also want students to eat in a healthy way, without too much sugar or salt.

3. No red pen for marking (England)

At Mounts Bay Academy in England, teachers stopped using red pens to correct students' work. Red can make students feel bad or worried when they see their mistakes. The school wanted a kinder way to give feedback.

4. Green pen instead of red (England)

The same school started using green pens instead of red ones. Green feels softer and more positive. Teachers still correct mistakes, but the color feels less negative to students.

5. No "best friend" rule (UK)

Some schools in the UK do not want children to have just one best friend. They ask students to be friendly with everyone in the class. The goal is to help every child feel included, not left out.

6. No hugging or high-fives (London)

In some schools in London, students cannot hug each other or give high-fives. Teachers created this rule to avoid problems between students. It also helps everyone feel comfortable with personal space.

7. Limited bathroom visits (Chicago)

In some schools in Chicago, students can only go to the bathroom a certain number of times each day. Teachers want students to stay in class and focus on their lessons. This rule can be difficult for students with health needs.

8. Cleaning teaches responsibility (Japan)

When students clean their school every day, they learn to be responsible. They understand that they must take care of their things and their environment. This habit also teaches teamwork and respect for shared spaces.

9. Sitting down during lunch (France)

In French schools, students usually must stay seated during lunch. Lunch is a proper meal, like at home, not a quick break. This rule helps students eat slowly and enjoy their food.

10. No dyed hair (Japan)

Some Japanese schools do not allow students to dye their hair. Schools want students to look neat and the same as everyone else. This rule is part of a bigger dress code about appearance.

11. Clear backpacks (United States)

Some schools in the U.S. now ask students to use clear (see-through) backpacks. Teachers and staff can see what is inside the bag easily. This rule is for safety, so dangerous items are easier to notice.

12. Girls cannot study (Afghanistan)

In Afghanistan, the current authorities do not allow girls and women to go to secondary school or university. This means millions of girls cannot continue their education after a certain age. Many people around the world see this as a serious problem for human rights.

13. Why ketchup is limited (France)

Schools limit ketchup because they want children to develop healthy eating habits. They also want to protect French food traditions. Ketchup often hides the real taste of the food.

14. Why red pens were removed (England)

Teachers stopped using red because it felt too strong and negative for young students. They believed it could hurt students' confidence. A softer color helps students accept feedback more easily.

15. The purpose of most school rules

Most school rules exist for three main reasons: safety, respect, and learning. Rules help keep students safe, teach them to respect others, and create a good environment for studying.

16. School rule vs. national law

A rule like "no phones at school" only applies to one school. It is not a law for the whole country. A national law, like a school starting age, applies to everyone in that country.