Santa too scary for children, says government

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 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.

"Younger children in particular have a wide range of fears, many of which seem completely irrational to adults," it said.

"For very young children, Father Christmas can be terrifying, and if you are planning a visit from Santa, you'll need to make sure that fearful children are near an exit.

This is long overdo. There is no telling how many children have been traumatized for life by the spectre of this horrific obese voyeur in his blood red uniform and Vermacht boots.