Peru implements strict new school discipline and conduct rules

Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori and Education Minister José Antonio Chang have introduced new disciplinary guidelines for public and private schools to restore authority and combat violence. The measures include the reintroduction of student expulsions for very serious offenses, such as sexual violence, extortion, and possession of weapons.

The regulations also establish strict personal presentation standards for public schools, prohibiting makeup, nail polish, dyed hair, and excessively long hair. Additionally, the use of cell phones and electronic devices is restricted during school hours unless specifically authorized by a teacher for pedagogical purposes. This restriction has been extended to include early childhood education (nivel inicial).

A notable feature of the new regime is the return of conduct grades, using a 0 to 20 scale, where a score below 11 is considered failing. The Ministry of Education has placed these guidelines in a public consultation phase to gather input from the educational community before final implementation.