Santa too scary for children, says UK government

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Dec 12, 2005

What would we do without the nanny state to protect us from ourselves? From The Scotsman:

The highlight of any Christmas party for generations of children has been the moment when the lights dim, voices hush and the sound of sleigh bells signals the imminent arrival of Santa Claus.

But that magic moment has come under threat from government advisers who have told teachers that children should be protected from the "terrifying" appearance of Santa at school Christmas parties.

Pantomimes are also regarded as psychological "scene of crime" sites, with teachers told to seat nervous pupils near an exit.

The advice, on the website www.teachernet.gov.uk, run by the communications unit of the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), was yesterday criticised by education specialists, who said learning to cope with fear was a vital part of growing up. The furore appeared to have led to a U-turn, with the advice being removed last night and the government denying it represented official policy.

Outstanding. Her Majesty's government suggests Santa is a source of terror. The UK's professional educators concur, but insist that learning to cope with FEAR is a vital part of growing up. And doubtless our own minders will deplore the exclusivist Christian bigotry and patriarchal ideology lurking behind Santa's day job as Bishop of Myra.

Perhaps the old boy isn't coming to town, after all.