A 12-year-old boy, known for his long, uncut hair and Instagram fame, faces potential expulsion from his school due to his fear of getting a haircut, termed as ‘tonsurephobia’. Farouk James, who has never trimmed his waist-long locks, has been instructed by his school to cut his hair to meet regulations. Despite providing medical evidence of his phobia, the school has persisted with its demand.
Farouk, speaking to Sky News Kids’ Show FYI, explained his fear, linking it with narcolepsy, a condition causing sudden deep sleep. His mother, Bonnie Miller, expressed frustration, stating that attempts to comply with the rules, such as braiding Farouk’s hair, have been rejected. As a consequence, Farouk has faced detentions and risks expulsion.
Despite being aware of the school’s policy before enrollment, Miller hoped for an exemption based on medical grounds, only to be informed later that her son’s condition wasn’t recognized as a phobia. Efforts to address Farouk’s fear include upcoming psychotherapy sessions.
The school declined to comment on the matter when approached by UK media, citing confidentiality concerns.
