Sit and talk: Outrage as controversial policy bans children from playing before class

The controversial policy at several schools has been labelled "ridiculous" by some parents. Photo / 123rf

Parents are outraged after several schools in Brisbane banned children from playing before class.

Students are being forced to stay in one area and told to sit in line instead of being allowed on the playground before the bell goes for morning classes.

In a letter to parents, Brookefield State School wrote: "When students arrive at school they should make their way to the covered play area... where they can sit and talk... this helps to ensure a calm and safe start to the school day."

The new rule, labelled "sit and talk policy", require the students to make their way to the safe area between 8.30am and 8.40am.

St Ita's Catholic College also revealed it has its own pre-class playground rules, with the principal saying "[Students] are not required to sit down or be silent, but must remain in the area where they can be seen by staff".

The controversial policy at several schools has been labelled "ridiculous" by some parents. Photo / 123rf

Despite the schools implementing the rule to keep students safe, parents have labelled the decision "ridiculous" and believe it'll have a negative impact on students.

"It's bad. They need to be able to play and run around," one parent told 7 News.

"It's a bit ridiculous. Kids need to use up their energy before they sit down for the day, so yeah, it's crazy," another said.

Parents of children from other schools were just as vocal, with many saying authorities have gone soft.

"How ridiculous. Exercise stimulates the endorphins of the brain, causes blood to circulate much faster enhancing the flow of oxygen to the body & brain, which results in better learning by students and the side benefits are fitness levels increase plus many, many more healthy benefits," one health fitness instructor explained.

"Geez just another crap idea. Kids are going to be like robots," another said.

One father believes the rules are a sign that we're living in a "Nanny state".

"Back when I was a lad we would go to school at 7 just to play footy and now I can't drop my kids off till 8.30 and they have to sit in the undercover area till school starts."

Another mum added: "The primary school my daughter went to 9 years ago was doing this then. It caused more kids to play up in class."

Despite the backlash, the Queensland Teacher's Union says playground policies have been around for years to protect schools from potential court cases if a child was hurt before classes begin.

"There've been a number of legal cases that have resulted in the Department of Education and state schools being sued by parents for injuries before the start of the school," the union's Kevin Bates said.