Should Kiwi schools allow moustaches?

The Movember Foundation is calling on 178 high schools with ‘‘clean-shaven policies’’ to turn a blind eye next month and allow students to take part in the event.

The annual Movember campaign is aimed at raising funds and awareness for men’s health, with participants growing moustaches and other facial hair to show their support throughout November.

But with 178 high schools not allowing students to grow facial hair, the charity has pleaded for them to break with tradition.

‘‘We believe you have the power to help save young men’s lives with this one simple act: make an exemption to your school rules, and let your students grow moustaches for a month,’’ the foundation said in an open letter.

Women were encouraged from a young age to be open about their feelings. But for men, that was seen as a sign of weakness and they were often told to ‘‘man up’’.

That was contributing to New Zealand’s male youth suicide rate, which was the highest in the world. ‘‘This isn’t about giving students the chance to look cool, it’s about starting a conversation.’’

Foundation spokesman Robert Dunne said about six schools had already pledged support.

Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand president Michael Williams applauded the charity’s initiative.

However, he said, schools’ varying values needed to be respected.