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"For secondary schools, supervisors and principals are advised to consider carefully the appropriateness of such involvement of their pupils before giving
consent.
"They are also advised that prior approval of the school's management committee should be obtained. In cases where approval is given to participation by pupils in such activities, school heads and teachers will be expected to observe the following guidelines:
participation by secondary students in election activities on behalf of an individual candidate must be entirely voluntary;
for students below the age of 18, the written consent of parents or guardians must be obtained beforehand;
there should be no disruption of the pupils' education, and in no circumstances should normal lessons be interrupted to enable pupils to take part in such activities; and
in no circumstances should pupils be asked to take part in activities in areas where they may be subject to various elements of danger, including that arising from traffic.
"The above points were highlighted in a school circular issued recently.
"Although pupils should be given every encouragement to take an interest in community affairs and current issues and to form their own opinions on such issues, the Education Department has reservations as to the desirability of pupils of a school being collectively and directly involved in election activities on behalf of any individual candidates, whether or not the candidate is connected with the school as a manager, as a head, or as a teacher.
"These reservations reflect the basic concern that the education of pupils should not be subject to interference or interruption and that pupils' welfare should be safeguarded," the spokesman concluded.
End/Monday, August 14, 1995