A primary school in Australia has reportedly banned clapping in favour of a more silent cheer.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Elanora Heights Public School announced its new policy in their latest newsletter, writing: “If you’ve been to a school assembly recently, you may have noticed our students doing silent cheers.
“Instead of clapping, the students are free to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot.”
Explaining their reasons for the change, the school said that it was to “respect members of our school community who are sensitive to noise.”
“When you attend an assembly, teachers will prompt the audience to conduct a silent cheer if it is needed.
And while it may seem like a strange policy to some, teachers from the school have found the new policy is a “great way to expend children’s energy and reduce fidgeting.”
In fact, one mum told Manly Daily that she was in support of the new policy as it helped those who couldn’t handle noise.
“They are stuck in that tiny hall, which isn’t big enough for all of our students, and there are no windows and it’s stuffy and the sound is amplified. It’s enough to drive anyone crazy,” she said of the policy that has been in place for a year.
“I think it’s a great initiative and it’s a shame that people can’t focus on relevant issues like how this school goes above and beyond to support its students, staff and parents.”
Explaining further, the Department of Education said the ban was for assemblies, and the pupils could cheer at other occasions.
