Is hydrating during class bad manners?

Is hydrating during class bad manners?

Futo Kumazaki, a news anchor, reported that the school’s rule states that students are not allowed to drink water during teachers’ explanations or other students’ presentations because he considers it bad manners. Parents have expressed their opposition and asked for the rule to be abolished. The city’s Board of Education clarified: “It is not a ban; students can drink water with permission from the teachers.”

Takahiro Inoue, another presenter, noted: “While we may not know the exact reasons for this rule – possibly due to the mischief of some students – there could have been a better approach. Strict rules and increased scrutiny can often damage a harm school.”

Attorney Maiko Hagiya noted, “Today’s heat is different from that of the past, and saying ‘we endured it then’ is no longer valid. Students should be able to drink water.”

Chiaki Horan, co-host, commented: “Given the current emphasis on preventing heatstroke, the rationale behind such a rule is concerning. While not an outright ban, the pressure to adhere to the rule can put students at risk of heat stroke. is a serious problem.”

Inoue added: “The use of the term ‘manners’ seems to downplay the seriousness of the issue.”

Hagiya emphasized, “Hydration is not just a matter of manners, but one of life and death.”

Hydration practices in various professions

Kumazaki investigated how different professions deal with hydration during work.

Bus drivers:

Bus drivers at Gifu Bus were allowed to drink at any time during their shift. However, some complaints from passengers about drivers drinking during their shifts led to notices being posted on buses. In response to these complaints and to combat heatstroke, notices were posted between 2019 and 2020 that read: “Drivers drink during stops, such as at red lights. Thank you for your understanding.” Since then, the complaints have stopped and the notices have been removed.

Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation:

For Toei buses, hydration is permitted during stops. Toei Subway and Toden Arakawa Line operators can hydrate at terminal stations.

Supermarket cashiers:

At supermarket chain Belc, employees are encouraged to hydrate every hour, announced via store broadcasts: “It’s time for hydration. Please hydrate regularly.” Water dispensers have been installed near cash registers for employee use. The store manager explained, “This allows employees to hydrate without appearing to be shirking their duties.”

Inoue noted, “Publicly supporting hydration makes it easier for employees.”

Hagiya added: “The need for such announcements suggests that customer complaints may be a factor. If it’s clear water, it should be acceptable.”

Horan noted, “There are always those who disapprove of employees hydrating while on the job. Notices, such as those on buses, are likely necessary for risk management.”

Hagiya concluded: “For train drivers, the risk of heat stroke from not hydrating affects safety. Hydrating during stops is a reasonable measure.”

Inoue noted: “This reflects how complaint-prone society has become.”

Hydration in the national diet:

Kumazaki also examined hydration practices in the Japanese National Diet.

During a meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee in February 2024, a member was seen drinking Uji tea and remarked, “I am drinking during this session.” Previously, only water and hot water were allowed, but now committee members, with the chairman’s permission, may drink beverages from personal bottles within reasonable limits.

Stricter rules apply in the plenary sessions of the House of Representatives. According to the house rules, maintaining the dignity of the meeting is of utmost importance, and objects such as bottles and PET bottles are prohibited to ensure focus during the sessions.

Source: TBS