School cover-up gets approval from pupils
A LEADING Jewish school has defended its policy of teaching pupils to hide skin conditions with make-up, saying the aim is to “encourage self-conscious pupils to get involved with school life”.
Immanuel College, an independent school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, also relaxed its make-up policy after one 15-year-old pupil approached deputy headteacher Beth Kerr over her acnerelated anxiety.
The pupil had been inspired by Georgia Toffolo, a star of reality TV show Made in Chelsea, who has spoken publicly about suffering with acne and adolescent wellbeing.
After unsuccessfully approaching Ms Toffolo to ask her to speak at the school, the teenager then spoke in front of pupils herself in a bid to raise awareness.
In an article in The Independent Schools Magazine, Ms Kerr wrote that the measures had led to a “big difference to the wellbeing of pupils”, adding it had been warmly received by parents.
She wrote: “It was not difficult to imagine what it would have been like to have the mask that gave you the confidence to go about your business taken off in class, or alternatively, not permitted to wear one at all.”
Ms Kerr told the JC she “grappled” with the decision to support the use of make-up, and had questioned whether it would promote a negative message to female pupils.
She said: “We don’t want them to feel they have to wear make-up. But we are aware that there are self-conscious pupils out there.
“And since we made the changes quite a number of other girls came forward to say they were also worried about it. We know that, at this age, their peers are very important to them and their self-image.
“It’s a problem for us when pupils tell us they don’t have the confidence to take part in activities, like sport. We really want to encourage them to be as active as possible.”
The school brought in a make-up artist to teach girls — as well as boys who wished to participate — to apply minimal make-up to cover blemishes, during a 40-minute lesson one lunchtime. Immanuel also plans to expand the programme as part of personal, social and health education (PSHE) next year. “Light-touch” makeup is also now permitted at the school.
HAVING ACNE as a teenager was one of the most traumatic parts of growing up. I can still remember the social anxiety I felt about the spots that gathered on my forehead and my chin, I remember the hours spent getting ready for school, trying to cover them with makeup.
So I get it. I understand why Immanuel College decided to run make up lessons for pupils after one 15-year-old revealed that she was suffering anxiety over her skin.
And in their defence, the lessons will include lifestyle advice such as drinking more water, getting plenty of sleep and making sure your diet is healthy.
But as someone who has been through it, I’m not sure it makes sense. First of all, any attempt to conceal the fact you have bad skin, if it is that bad, is utterly pointless.
It didn’t help me, it made it worse and it highlighted my insecurity to my peers. When you teach young people with problem skin how to cover it up, you reinforce the idea that they are unsightly.
Actually, what we need to be telling them is that they are not. Being a teenager with bad skin is unfair, yes, it sucks, it really does, but it is so unbelievably normal.
I remember how alone it made me feel, not because I was the only one with acne, but because of the way people respond to it.
A day didn’t go by without a stranger offering me advice on what I should be doing to fix my skin. Looking back, I’m amazed by the amount of adults who commented uninvited.
They knew nothing of how my spots ached and how impossible it was not to pick them. All they cared about was telling me to make it look better.
I can’t help but think the school would do better to spend time promoting a culture of reality, kindness and acceptance. Looking perfect is impossible and you can be happy just the way you are.
Being a teenager with bad skin is unfair but so normal