Why a Sydney school has banned kids handing out birthday party invitations
A primary school in Sydney’s north has banned the handing out of birthday party invitations over fears that not receiving one would be emotionally stressful for children.
Parents have voiced their concerns over the decision at Mosman Public School which will now see parents send invitations via email instead, a Department of Education spokesman confirmed to Yahoo News Australia.
One mother told the Daily Telegraph the decision to protect children in every aspect of life affected their development.
“It is going too far, we have to build resilient kids,” she said.
However the Department of Education revealed the decision is part of the schools’ commitment to place student wellbeing as their “highest priority”.
“At the request of parents, and in consultation with the school community, Mosman Public School has asked that student birthday party invitations are not handed out during school hours due to the distress caused to students seen not to be invited,” a Department of Education spokesman explained.
It is understood the new rule was implemented after one child became upset when he was left out of a child’s birthday celebrations.
The school’s principal, Steve Connelly, was unavailable for comment when contacted by Yahoo News Australia regarding the decision.
Birthday cakes in the classroom also banned
Another rule implemented at the school sees teachers unable to cut up birthday cakes in the classroom over safety fears.
“Mosman Public School’s parent handbook requests that birthday cakes be cut up before they are brought to school, or given to the canteen to cut up, so there are no knives in the classroom,” the spokesman added.
The spokesman said the rules are implemented by the school itself, and the Department had no specific policy on birthday invitations.
However there are other schools across Sydney which have also asked for large cakes not to be brought in.
Seven Hills West Public School have recommended parents buy cupcakes instead, which are easily distributed.
“[Schools] follow Work, Health and Safety requirements in consultation with their school communities to ensure students and staff remain safe places in which to learn and work,” the Department spokesman said.
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