Government and private schools have emphasized the importance of students adhering to appropriate haircuts and hairstyles. They have issued warnings against exaggerated hairstyles or unusual cuts that do not align with the school environment and contradict national values and identity.
School administrations have stated that maintaining a proper appearance reflects behavioral discipline and mutual respect within the school setting. They have encouraged parents to assist in monitoring their children before the school day starts to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
School officials noted that in the past two weeks, they have observed some male students sporting inappropriate haircuts, unusual hair colors, or hairstyles inconsistent with school customs.
They clarified that warnings were given in an educational manner, considering the students’ age, and aimed to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining a respectable appearance. They confirmed that the measures taken include initial guidance followed by communication with families if violations persist, escalating to enforcement of the behavioral discipline policy in case of continued non-compliance.
Administrators pointed out that school appearance is considered a part of educational identity, stressing that students represent the school’s image in the wider community and that overly extravagant personal appearances may distract from the learning atmosphere. They reiterated that the goal is not to enforce superficial restrictions but to guide students toward a balance between self-expression and adherence to educational standards that respect collective values.
They asserted that attention to a student’s outward appearance is as crucial as their academic performance, as it fosters a spirit of discipline, order, and responsibility—values that the educational institution aims to instill from early stages.
Additionally, some schools have dedicated classes to moral education that address the topic of “personal identity and appropriate appearance,” highlighting the difference between positive self-expression and imitation of trends popularized through social media.
In this context, academic expert Marwan Hamad remarked that a student’s commitment to a proper school appearance signifies their understanding of the values of discipline and respect. He noted that unusual hairstyles are not merely superficial but may indicate a desire for attention or emulation of impactful figures from digital media.
He pointed out that schools should address these issues from a guidance perspective rather than through punishment, utilizing dialogue to explain the cultural and social significance of appearance, encouraging students to realize that differences should be based on ideas and accomplishments rather than looks.
He added that the teenage phase particularly involves students searching for their identity, making them more susceptible to fast-changing trends and online content. He called for a collaborative approach between schools and families to correct misconceptions and direct behavior without overreacting.
Hamad emphasized that positive communication within the family is the most powerful tool to protect children from succumbing to superficial trends that may adversely affect their personality or social image.
On her part, psychological and educational expert Maisa Al-Abdallah stated that external appearance may reflect a psychological state or the desire for self-validation. She pointed out that some students adopt unusual hairstyles or clothing to express rebellion or attract attention, especially when they feel a lack of self-esteem.
She emphasized that schools should provide a safe space for positive self-expression through activities that encourage students to showcase their personalities constructively, such as theater, art, and sports, rather than resorting to superficial appearances.
Al-Abdallah added that addressing such behaviors requires an understanding of their psychological backgrounds, and that mere prohibition is insufficient, pointing out that poorly considered punishments may lead students to become more defiant.
She stressed the importance of continuous communication with parents to clarify the school’s objectives and unify the educational messages directed at students to prevent them from feeling a contradiction between what they hear at home and in school.