A school principal in Co Clare yesterday announced a "zero tolerance" policy towards teenage couples holding hands or engaging in "inappropriate holding" on school grounds.
In what he called a pre-emptive strike before the school year begins next week, the principal of the co-ed secondary school, Scariff Community College, Mr P.J. Mason issued the warning to students in the college's August newsletter.
Mr Mason wrote: "As principal, I would be gravely concerned that in some cases where relationships develop, they seem much too intense. Therefore, holding of hands, being in remote areas of the school or inappropriate holding will not be condoned."
Mr Mason added: "As parents, you are entitled to feel your child is safe while at school and free to concentrate on studies without due distractions.
"Normally a word to the student concerned is more than sufficient; if there is persistent inappropriate behaviour, then we will inform the parents of our concern.
"Hopefully, this will resolve the issue without any further recourse to action."
Explaining the background behind his message to parents and students, Mr Mason wrote: "As a co-educational school where boys and girls work and study together, it is fairly normal that relationships might develop during the year. He observed: "Most relationships are respectful and appropriate. However, there are always exceptions to every situation." Yesterday, Mr Mason said that his "pre-emptive" strike was designed to avoid any embarrassing situations.
"It is an alert for everyone. The school is a place for study and not for other distractions," he said.
He said the caution issued was not based on any previous experience where he had to reprimand students on school grounds for holding hands or inappropriate holding.
He said: "I've never had to take action. This is a good rural school where the students are very helpful. I am being pro-active here and my message in the newsletter is to ensure that nothing untoward or inappropriate would happen."
Mr Mason's initiative yesterday received the support of the National Parents' Council for post-primary students.
The council's president, Ms Eleanor Petrie, said: "I would be supportive of Mr Mason. It is a difficult issue, but school is a place of work and inappropriate touching between couples is not tolerated in other places of work."
Ms Petrie added: "It can be embarrassing for teachers or other pupils if such activity goes on. You must also be conscious what impact this would have on younger children."
Ms Petrie said that most teachers would turn a blind eye to teenage couples holding hands.
However, she added: "I suppose if you are going to enforce rules, you have to start somewhere."
