Uniformity or restriction? The debate over the MEP's student image proposal
The main changes include a ban on the use of make-up, piercings, new tattoos and brightly coloured hair, with the aim of promoting equity and discipline in the education system.
The Minister of Education, Leonardo Sánchez, explained that the rules currently vary between institutions, which generates dissatisfaction among students and parents. Under the new provisions, make-up will be totally prohibited during school hours, piercings will not be allowed inside schools and no new tattoos will be allowed while a student is part of the system.
However, existing tattoos will be respected and hair length will not be regulated for cultural or religious reasons.
The reforms also include restrictions on the use of mobile phones in class, which will only be allowed in authorised pedagogical activities, and stricter sanctions for misconduct.
According to the MEP, these measures aim to strengthen coexistence and uniformity in the classroom. If approved by the Higher Education Council, they will come into effect from the 2026 school year, following a consultation process with teachers, principals and educational communities.
In the opinion of Javier Pacheco, Director of the Écija Education Law Practice: "Although the Ministry can issue rules to regulate discipline and coexistence in educational centres, such as banning mobile phones in classrooms, these rules should not restrict fundamental rights without a valid and proportional justification. The general prohibition of the use of tattoos or aesthetic expression could be considered a limitation on the free development of personality and freedom of expression, especially if there is no pedagogical and/or health reason to support it".
Alonso López, director of the Constitutional Law practice, said: "Anyone who considers that their fundamental rights are violated by these regulations has the right to go to the Constitutional Chamber to review the proportionality of these norms, and determine whether or not they are in accordance with our constitutional block.
The Childhood and Adolescence Code establishes that the State must respect the individual characteristics of students. In that sense, the MEP should promote the integral and personal development of students, without adopting measures that could eventually have some kind of friction with rights.