In early May of this year, Dove launched #LetHerGrow to call for an end to punishments of students by forced haircuts. While two years ago the Ministry of Education changed the hair rules to be more inclusive and prohibit punishments that force mandated haircuts on students, a a new Dove study, conducted by YouGov (Thailand) Co., Ltd.among students, parents, women and teachers, revealed that 74% of respondents report that forced haircuts are still being used to discipline students today.

The forced haircut issue and purpose behind Dove’s #LetHerGrow initiative received immediate responses from society, giving rise to a great deal of talk and exchange of ideas, particularly questions about various rules and regulations in schools in Thailand, whether they are in line with social changes and that such rules can hinder children’s learning process by impacting their confidence. Dove believes that beauty should be a source of confidence, not anxiety, and children should be provided with the opportunity to grow into the greatest version of themselves.

A few days before the school term commenced, several schools started coming out with “less stringent” hair rules. Students are allowed to wear hairstyles that is deemed suitable for them. For example, Matthayom Wat Thatthong School announced hair rules on their Facebook Page as follows: “Short hair or long hair is fine as long as the hairstyle is deemd suitable.”And there was a question on “hairstyle suitable for whom?” the Facebook Page administrator’s reply was “suitable for the student who can choose a hairstyle that suits his or her face”

Announcement of Hairstyle for Students on Matthayom Wat Thatthong School Official Facebook Page

Source:https://web.facebook.com/matthayomwatthatthong1325/photos/a.109041544370008/419449446662548

This announcement by Matthayom Wat Thatthong School via social media has received significant praises for the school’s action in placing the “student” as priority and indicating that the school plays an important role in building confidence and self-esteem among the next generation to enable them to grow into the greatest version of themselves.

TDRI : Change hair rules…to fit in with the times

• Hair can be short or long…simply tie neatly at the back
• Must conduct thorough discussions...prior to setting up school rules
• Students, teachers and parents
• Previous rules that have not been discussed…do not count
• Issue clear guidelines…
• Precise examples for reference
• No unreasonable punishments beyond limits

A good example is Rattanathibet School…listens to students’ opinions about hairstyles.

Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), commented, “The persistence of the problem of forced haircuts urged among students, despite the fact that the Ministry of Education had officially announced new hair rules, is due to the following three factors:

1. Unclear rules. The Rule of the Ministry of Education on the Wearing of Hairstyles of Students, E. (2563) 2020 Clause 7 states that an educational institution may, with the approval of the educational institution’s committee or the school’s executive committee, lay down a specific Rule on student hairstyles as long as it is not contrary to or inconsistent with this Rule. Some of the students are of the opinion that the school does not follow the Rule, but on the other hand the school has set up their own rules and regulations.

2. Disagreements in the interpretation of the correct hair length that is suitable for students.

3. Past punishments included shaving hair to revile the students or use of abusive language among others.

Dr. Somkiat was also Chairman of a working group to draft hairstyle regulations and formulate a solution on three issues, as follows:

1. Improve and correct the Rule of the Ministry of Education on the Wearing of Hairstyles of Students, B.E. (2563) 2020 Clause 7, stipulating that an educational institution should, with the approval of students, parents and the local community, uphold student rights and take into consideration the sexual and gender diversity of the students.

2. Provide schools with recommendations regarding proper length of hair, whether short or long or style, as well as exemplary implementations by other schools to follow.

3. Must strictly follow rules on punishments set out by the Ministry of Education only i.e., admonish, put on parole, deduct marks for behaviour, and engage in activities to change behaviour. The act of cutting hair to cause embarrassment or loss of dignity is prohibited.

For students, imposing punishments by forced haircuts affects them psychologically and behaviourally and can have detrimental consquences. Some children end up not wanting to go to school, causing them to slip from the school system. Prevailing punishmments on children also stresses a divide of power. “If you want a child to behave like a grownup, you should treat the child like you would treat an adult and not by use of force.”Dr.Somkiat went on to say.

Consequently, schools should discuss with students, teachers and parents before implementing rules and regulations. Changing rules must be in accordance with the current circumstances and in line with human rights and protection of human dignity, participation and prevention of unfair gender discrimination.

It should be worthwhile to learn from schools that have implemented changes as a result of heeding students’ comments, for example, Rattanathibet School who had taken into consideration feedback from students regarding hairstyles, or more recently Matthayom Wat Thatthong School, among others,” added Dr. Somkiat.

TDRI: Thailand Development Research Institute

Rules are there…

Not to block learning

“Rules are there not to block children’s learning. They must be adjusted in accordance with the changing times and taking into account the awakening of their gender identity and freedom. We should focus on assuring students pursue their education with happiness and confidence and create a future where they can grow into the greatest version of themselves,” said

Dr. Somkiat in conclusion.

Dove is calling on parents, students and educators to stand in solidarity to end forced haircuts in schools. Schools that are interested in additional self-esteem and confidence materials can join the activities for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, in collaboration with such distinguished partners as the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand (GGAT) under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen to build self-confidence, self-appreciation and boost self-esteem among students throughout the country. Visit DoveLetHerGrow.com to learn more and show support.