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“We have a moral duty to act”: county council launches inquiry into effects of school behaviour policies on children’s mental health

20 May 2026

Despite its idyllic image, in Cornwall concerns have been raised about the impact of school behaviour policies on children's mental health. Image: iStock

Today’s children will not be able to look back on their school years with fondness, warns councillor as Cornwall instigates investigation into strict policies said to include sanctions for looking out of the window, or pupils’ pens running out.

Move comes six months after safeguarding report in Hackney put another academy trust’s strict behaviour policies under the microscope.

Despite its idyllic image, in Cornwall concerns have been raised about the impact of school behaviour policies on children's mental health. Image: iStock

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