Yet derogatory labels such as “unmanly”, “unkempt” or “thuggish” are often attached to those with long hairstyles. Not only are these descriptions untrue, but they also damage our youngsters’ self-esteem and lead to anxiety in self-perception.

Given how entrenched our traditional values are, boys with long hair may sometimes be seen as effeminate by their peers, or are bullied or excluded in social life. Unfortunately, by banning long hairstyles and further stigmatising those who have long hair, schools only reinforce this perception.

Worse still, students are often made to follow these rules with no chance of negotiating.

But despite the online support for the teenager’s challenge of the school ban on long hair for boys, it’s too early to say stereotypes are being broken. In our quest for wider acceptance of new male beauty standards, we may unthinkingly reinforce the stereotypes of strength and toughness, for example. For instance, people may say: “You can be manly even with long hair”, but the notion of masculinity remains unchallenged.

From speaking in a high-pitched voice to adopting a swinging gait or curling up their wrists, boys’ behaviour has been policed at a young age. To enable boys to thrive, it is vital to help them unlearn toxic masculinity. It is only when we remove the biases against effeminacy that we can truly create a society liberal to all men.

It remains to be seen whether the complaint can effect change. But even if it doesn’t, I hope this will not be the end, but the beginning of a stride towards true diversity for men.

Fitzgerald Lo, Tai Po

School rules should align with city’s laws

Some hold a relatively conservative view that schools have the authority to make their own rules. Such a view has overlooked the fact that laws and regulations are hierarchical.

Legality aside, from an education perspective, shouldn’t our schools teach and practise equality of the sexes?

Francis Lo, North Point

Student’s strong stance is worthy of respect

In general, many students, including myself, do not bother to think more deeply about school rules but just blindly obey them. The rule in question has been there for decades, but no one had tried to challenge it. Yet this Form 5 student did.

I admire him for being so brave and speaking out on inequality. By doing so, he is confronting the many people who hold a more traditional view. One can imagine the huge pressure on him.

No matter the outcome, I support him for speaking out, and I hope the Education Bureau can review the rule.

Kasey Ng, Tseung Kwan O