London, May 27 (IANS): A school in Britain has reportedly banned students from hugging and shaking hands. Parents have termed the ban "extreme", "crazy" and "ludicrous".

The school administration at the Quest Academy, in Croydon in South London, imposed the "no contact" rule as they say it prevents fighting or bullying, The Sun reported.

A 15-year-old pupil, Dayna Chong, was sent to detention for "cuddling" a female friend in school.

Her mother Anita, terming the policy "extreme" and "ludicrous", said: "If the kids can't even hug each other at school, some of them will never learn how to be socially interactive."

"School is supposed to be where we start teaching our children how to be social - shaking hands, hugging, opening up. You need an embrace to comfort you when things go wrong. I've never heard of anything so crazy in my life."

The school has 800 students aged 11 to 18.

A spokesman said: "Physical contact between students is not allowed because it is often associated with poor behaviour or bullying and can lead to fighting."

School principal Andy Crofts added: "It creates a disciplined environment which is essential for learning and respect."