This is quite possibly the most absurd thing I have heard all year and I really cannot believe that the government have approved this; in an attempt to encourage pupils to maintain a positive self image, electrical styling products (yes, we are talking GHD’S folks) have been introduced in schools.
WTF?
Three schools in West Dunbartonshire have installed nine sets of hair straighteners at a staggering cost of £800 which forgive me for sounding like a prude, but surely could have been better spent on IT, excursion funding for less fortunate students or even healthier and more imaginative food for school dinners?
Apparently the council stated “the views of pupils to be critical in ensuring that the school environment is as positive and inclusive as possible and pupils were widely consulted during the design phase." I’m sure they were and I’m equally sure that hundreds of girls (and boys) would jump at the chance to have fancy hair styling equipment in their schools but surely this is a little insane?
Yes, I agree that having a positive self-image is vital for the growth and development of teenagers. After all, looking and feeling good boosts confidence but when it comes down to it, we go to school to learn, not to become models or beauty queens and if we want to be hairdressers, well that comes after.
Also, the huge emphasis on maintaining a perfect self image these days isn’t necessary a good thing – it can become competitive and lead to bullying and self issues that maybe teens wouldn’t think about so much if it wasn’t constantly thrown in their faces that they need to look good in order to succeed or be popular.
If schools want to encourage a positive self image, why not instead introduce more varied and fun exercise classes in PE or teach pupils about the importance and effect nutrition and exercise has on our appearance?
Of course, encouraging kids to stay at school and complete their education is fine but I’m really not convinced that this is the way to do it. I also agree that in today’s society how you physically present yourself will help you along the way but that won’t necessarily happen just by having straight hair courtesy of GHD’s before science! Let the kids be kids before we become a world completely obsessed with image!