No watermelons, and don't stand too close: China's bizarre school rules under fire
Bizarre school rules found on the mainland that have come under scrutiny, with the strongest criticism for regulations over interaction between the sexes - and in at least one case, between pupils of the same sex.
Stand no less than half a metre from schoolmates of the opposite sex. No eating watermelons in dormitories. No black stockings allowed for woman teachers.
These are just a few of the bizarre school rules found on the mainland that have come under scrutiny, with the strongest criticism for regulations over interaction between the sexes - and in at least one case, between pupils of the same sex.
Recent guidelines at Chunhui High School in Wenzhou drew national attention for their warnings against close interaction between classmates of both the opposite sex and the same sex, calling them "severe disciplinary violations".
Pupils are prohibited from "maintaining very close relationships", including same-sex relationships, read the guidelines. Rule-breakers could face suspension and may have to return scholarships.
At another high school, in Henan province, pupils are banned from lingering in quiet corners, and boys and girls are to mix in groups of five or more.
A Hangzhou secondary school has banned boys and girls from appearing on campus as a pair, and they must maintain a distance from each other of at least 50cm.