25 People Revealed Some Of The Dumbest Rules They Were Forced To Follow At School
These schools clearly have restrictions that go way too far!
Each school has regulations. There are established behavioral expectations as well as dress codes.
You know, the usual stuff: don't be late, don't run through the halls, don't swear at your teacher, don't hit people, and so on. Students are required to abide by a lengthy list of rules in schools, but occasionally these restrictions are just absurd.
Yes, we know that rules are necessary. In addition to the highly stringent and intricate biological laws that our bodies follow and without which we would not even exist, even the words themselves adhere to set standards.
Well, some schools have restrictions that go way too far. They adopt regulations that no normal person would impose on students in a classroom context because they become power-crazy or because they are overly cautious.
Like, why would you lock out a student just because they are seconds late to a class or make a rule where no one is allowed to hug? These and more are some of the most absurd rules in this list, which you’re about to see.
Trust me, these rules will make you wonder if the schools have anything better to worry about. So keep scrolling and take a look at a Reddit thread started by user ObviousEntertainer asking about the dumbest rule one has ever come across while in school.
u/ObviousEntertainerAnd the comments roll in...
1. No fighting back
In grade school, we weren’t allowed to fight back. That was the actual rule. A kid pinned me down with the help of his friends and started going at it. It was winter and he was wearing his big puffy gloves so it wasn’t too bad, but I kicked him off of me and I got in an equal amount of trouble as him. A different kid a few years younger got suspended for a similar instance that same year. According to Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned child psychiatrist, "Children need to learn how to navigate conflicts and express their feelings in a safe environment," which highlights the importance of teaching conflict resolution rather than enforcing punitive measures.When I pressed them as to what I was supposed to do, apparently I was supposed to “use my words.” Yes, because the most effective tool to stop someone beating the s**t out of you is to ask them nicely to stop. I loved that school, with amazing teachers and support staff, but f**k the administration was terrible. Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a marriage therapist, emphasizes that "effective communication is crucial in resolving conflicts," suggesting that schools should focus on teaching students how to communicate effectively in difficult situations.Dr. Dan Siegel | Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis
Mikhail Nilov on Pexels2. Waiting Period
Needing to wait 10 minutes before and after classes have started to use the restroom.My adolescent body with developing Crohn’s Disease did NOT take kindly to this rule and got into fights with the bathroom monitor often (someone who would make sure nobody was in the bathroom for too long doing drugs, having sex, and other things of the sort). As Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, states, "The body has its own needs and rhythms, and it’s essential to listen to them for overall well-being" (drweil.com).Thankfully the Principal had a heart of gold and gave me a special pass to use his personal private bathroom which was so nice and clean. In a high school of 5000 teenagers, being able to poop in peace at the rate you go with Crohn’s Disease made my life somewhat less sh*tty (pun intended).
Renan Almeida on Pexels
Psychological Impact of Strict School Rules
Strict school rules often reflect underlying psychological principles regarding control and authority. A developmental psychologist notes that these policies can create an environment of fear rather than support, stifling creativity and independent thinking. Studies show that excessive control can lead to increased anxiety and disengagement among students, ultimately hindering their academic performance and personal growth.
3. Being absent
"Suspending students for being absent only exacerbates the challenges they face," says Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher at angeladuckworth.com. "It’s crucial to understand the underlying reasons for absenteeism rather than punishing students." This perspective highlights the need for educational systems to adopt more supportive measures rather than punitive ones, especially for those who may be struggling with personal issues.
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4. No touching
We could not touch each other. All physical contact was banned.Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, notes, "Strict rules around physical contact can create an environment of fear rather than trust, which is detrimental to healthy development." It’s a stark reminder of how such regulations can overshadow the joy of childhood interactions.Dr. William Doherty, family therapist
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5. No guys should wear pink
In high school, they attempted to enforce a rule prohibiting boys from wearing pink, seemingly aimed at a student known for his unique style, including a pink Hello Kitty shirt. However, the rule backfired when many boys, including several football players, showed up in pink the next day, leading to its quick reversal. As Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, states, "Students thrive in environments where they feel free to express their individuality," which underscores the importance of allowing personal expression in schools. This incident highlights how rigid rules can often lead to unexpected resistance from students.Dr. John Hattie, education researcher
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Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology indicates that overly rigid environments can lead to feelings of rebellion among students. When students perceive rules as arbitrary, they may become resentful, leading to oppositional behavior. Understanding this dynamic can help educators create more supportive and flexible learning environments that foster collaboration and self-expression.
6. No gloves
No gloves, because only gang members wear gloves.It’s freezing cold and your gloves are bright pink? Take them off before someone thinks you’re a member of the notorious pink gloves gang. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Arbitrary rules can often stem from a misunderstanding of behavior and can lead to unnecessary stigma." You can learn more about her insights on her professional website at Dr. Ramani Durvasula.
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7. No doors on toilet cubicles
My kindergarten had no doors on the toilet cubicles, but huge mirrors on the opposite wall. We all had to go at the one time. *everyone could see what you were doing. I have lifelong anxiety from this* Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, emphasizes the impact of such experiences on mental health, stating, "Our childhood environments shape our emotional responses and can lead to long-lasting anxiety if not addressed." For more insights, visit her professional website at SusanDavid.com.
Tom Rogerson on Unsplash
8. No flip-flops
Couldn’t wear flip-flops because they were considered a weapon but you could wear stiletto heels…As noted by Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned motivation researcher, "The rules we impose can often reflect deeper values and beliefs about safety and discipline." For more insights on educational policies and their implications, visit Dr. Carol Dweck's website.
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The Importance of Autonomy in Education
Autonomy is a critical component of effective learning. Educational psychologists emphasize the need for students to have a say in their learning processes, which can enhance motivation and engagement. Allowing students to voice their opinions and contribute to rule-making can foster a sense of ownership, reducing resentment and promoting a more positive school culture.
9. Backpacks
Clear or mesh backpacks only. This was from 1st grade through high school in the late 90s to early 2000s.We also had to wear a safety vest as our bathroom pass in high school. It was such a joke that the first year the rule was introduced, our yearbooks were a giant safety vest on the outside. Honestly, the thought of a shared unisex safety vest for bathroom visits still grosses me out as I know those things were never washed properly.Edit: This was before Columbine happened.
Reddit
10. Getting an in-school suspension
In middle school, if we said sorry we got an in-school suspension. The teachers claimed that apologizing is a form of lying and that lying is bad. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, "The ability to apologize is a crucial part of emotional intelligence, which is essential for personal development and social relationships" (angeladuckworth.com).Edit: We also weren’t allowed to have water bottles or to use a water fountain. The only time we got a chance to drink was during our lunch. We could also only go to the bathroom once a semester, or we would have in-school suspension. According to Dr. George Couros, an education expert, "Restrictive rules can hinder students' basic needs and negatively impact their learning environment" (georgecouros.ca).
Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash
11. No ankle socks
At an all-girls high school: No ankle socks because ankles can attract boys and make them have sex with you.Ankles lead to legs. And legs lead to…. up there…. and we ALL know what’s in that area.(which also, according to the school was rape on the girl’s part because you were making the boy want to have sex with you, and boys, as you know, cannot resist so….)As noted by Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a renowned marriage therapist, "It's crucial to foster healthy conversations about body image and sexuality, rather than instilling fear and shame." You can find more insights on her website Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis.
周 康 on Pexels
When students feel empowered, they are more likely to comply with rules that they helped create. A study found that participatory approaches to rule-setting can lead to improved student attitudes and behavior. Educators should consider implementing strategies that allow students to express their needs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more harmonious learning environment.
12. Three things
Well 3 of them.No mechanical pencils or any pens that click. Teachers found that s**t annoying.No peeing outside the toilet or urinal. Common decency but if you were caught, you would get a call from your parents. The rule isn’t stupid, it’s actually really good, but the people who it’s targeted at are.Zero tolerance policy. It’s in nearly every school. I haven’t had any encounters but it does strike people hard. Imagine getting beat up…. and getting punished for beating up because you happened to be involved even though you did nothing. It’s a d**k of a rule.
Roxanne Minnish on Pexels
13. "No water bottles because a few girls 4 years ago snuck vodka into the bathroom."
As students navigate the often arbitrary rules set by schools, it's interesting to consider the psychological impact of such regulations. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author of "Grit," states, "The ability to follow rules is often linked to self-discipline and perseverance, which are crucial for success in life." For further insights on educational practices, you can visit her professional website at angeladuckworth.com.
Jonathan Chng on Unsplash
14. No Simpsons
No Simpsons anything. This was when it premiered, and there was this national scare that Bart was a bad influence. According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, "Children often emulate characters they see on television, which can lead to concerns about their behavior." There were two popular Bart shirts that were banned, one that said “I’m Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?” and another that said “Bart Simpson, underachiever and proud of it.”This eventually evolved into banning all Simpsons shirts, school supplies, stickers, etc. after some of the teachers started watching the show. Dr. Thompson emphasizes that "school policies often reflect broader societal anxieties about media influence on youth."Dr. Michael Thompson, child psychologist
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15. Skull misfits shirt
I wore the skull misfits shirt and they called me to the dean’s office and told me to turn it inside out. They said it was because it represented death.I said, “so it represents something that inevitably happens to every person, so I’m not allowed to wear it?” Then walked out. Never caught any flak for it, was pretty proud of my punk 16-year-old rebellious self. As Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, states, “Rebellion is often a necessary part of finding one’s identity and asserting individuality,” which highlights the importance of self-expression in adolescence.
William Matt on Pexels
16. Lock out
In high school, we had a rule called "lock-out." If you were even a second late for class, the teachers would lock the doors, forcing you to go to the cafeteria for detention. Instead of facing that consequence, I often chose to leave school entirely, skipping the day without repercussions—all for being a few seconds late. This highlights a significant issue in educational systems, as noted by Dr. Ken Robinson, an education expert, who states, "The current education system is designed to produce compliance rather than creativity." For more insights on educational reform, visit Dr. Ken Robinson's website.
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17. Shirts that had pictures
We weren’t allowed to wear shirts with pictures on them. That includes embroidered logos like you might see from Nike, Champion, or Polo shirts. Kids were wearing those shirts that had Bugs Bunny and Taz dressed up as Kris Kross, and some parent or teacher thought they looked like gangsters. As Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned motivation researcher, states, "The rules we impose can sometimes stifle creativity and self-expression in children." This sentiment resonates with the decision to label certain shirts as gang paraphernalia, leading the school to ban all shirts with pictures to avoid targeting specific students.We’d have free dress day about every two weeks (which devolved into whenever they felt like it) where you could wear a picture shirt, except for those dubbed “gang paraphernalia.” If you wore something with a logo on it, you had to either cover it with masking tape or buy special labels from the school to cover it. Such restrictive policies can often feel excessive, as noted by Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert who emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive learning environment.Dr. Carol Dweck | Dr. Pasi Sahlberg
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18. No hugs
My middle school banned hugs. At least, they banned front hugs–the rule was against “chest to chest” contact, regardless of context or gender. No chest bumps after a game. Several girls got in trouble for hugging their female friends goodbye after school. It was a strange place. As Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, notes, “Physical affection is a fundamental part of human connection, and overly restrictive rules can hinder emotional development.” Dr. Alexandra Solomon emphasizes the importance of appropriate physical touch in fostering healthy relationships.Edit: To clarify, this was a public school in a suburban area in a liberal part of the country (US). I don’t remember whether there was a ban against hugs from behind–I’ll try to ask some old classmates when I get home and update if any of them remember.
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19. "In primary school, we weren’t allowed to use erasers. We were never told why."
Dr. Madeline Levine, a renowned child psychologist, emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of school rules on student well-being. She states, "Rigid rules can stifle creativity and critical thinking, which are essential for personal growth." Additionally, Dr. Angela Duckworth, an expert in education and character development, notes, "When students feel restricted by arbitrary rules, it can diminish their motivation and engagement in learning." These insights highlight the need for schools to foster environments that encourage exploration and autonomy.
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20. No shorts
"The boys weren’t allowed to wear shorts at my middle school, but the girls could wear ‘culottes’ (basically shorts with a fancy name). One day about a hundred boys came to school wearing culottes. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, character researcher, states, 'Rules that seem arbitrary can lead to rebellion and creativity in unexpected ways,' highlighting how such restrictions can provoke unique responses." - Dr. Angela Duckworth
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21. Being sent to the office
My middle school had a rule; if you were sent to the office for misbehavior, you remained in the office for the rest of the day.Knowing this, my first-period teacher found every excuse to send me to the office. I missed all of my lessons and nearly failed 7th grade. As Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and motivation researcher, states, "Students need to feel that they can learn from their mistakes rather than be punished for them." This highlights the detrimental effects of such strict disciplinary measures on a student's educational experience. For more insights on fostering a positive learning environment, visit Dr. Carol Dweck's website.Jeswin Thomas on Unsplash
22. Paying a fine
Non-American here.We have to pay a fine when we don’t speak English in school.In every class, the class leader used to note down student names who ever speak their native language other than English. This rule went on for 2 years and then they finally removed it. Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert, states, "Language diversity should be celebrated in schools, as it enriches the learning environment and fosters inclusivity." You can find more insights on his perspective at pasisahlberg.com.
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23. "In elementary school, we couldn’t kick a ball at recess because the school was afraid we would kick the balls to the top of the building."
According to Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis, a renowned marriage therapist, "Rules in educational settings can often feel arbitrary and stifling, leading to frustration among students." She emphasizes the importance of understanding the rationale behind school policies to foster a more positive learning environment. For more insights, you can visit her professional website at divorcebusting.com.
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24. One way hallway system
In middle school, I encountered a perplexing “one-way hallway system” that mandated students to walk in only one direction. This rule made me late twice, as my class was positioned right behind the exit door, yet I was forced to enter through the entrance. Even when the halls were empty, the rule was strictly enforced. Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, “Rules can sometimes stifle creativity and critical thinking, especially in educational settings” on her website angeladuckworth.com. One particularly inflexible teacher even threatened to write me up for questioning this absurd regulation.
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25. Gang symbols
We couldn’t wear winter clothing in class (coats, gloves, hats). Even with the heat on, it got cold in the winter inside the school so we just had to freeze. They said it was because winter clothing were gang symbols. This was a farm town in Wisconsin. As Dr. Michele Gelfand, a cultural psychologist, explains, "Rules often reflect deeper cultural beliefs and can sometimes lead to unnecessary discomfort." For more insights on how cultural norms shape behavior, visit her professional website at michelegelfand.com.
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From the top down, the wealthy and powerful impose their way of doing things, and this is very obvious, especially in institutions. These rules are not just dumb, but senseless and impractical as well.
We’d love to know what you think about them or if you have your own dumb school rules to add. Leave your comments below and share this post too.
Psychological Analysis
This situation illustrates how strict regulations can backfire, leading to resistance and resentment among students. When rules feel oppressive, students are less likely to engage positively with their education. Encouraging dialogue about rules can empower students, creating a more cooperative atmosphere.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In summary, understanding the psychological impact of strict school rules can lead to more effective educational practices. Emphasizing autonomy and collaboration can enhance student engagement and reduce negative behaviors. By fostering a supportive environment, educators can help students thrive both academically and personally.
