I WAS disgusted to read your article about ten-year-old Morgan Bell, who was banned from playing with his schoolfriends during break and lunchtime at Usworth Colliery Primary School, near Washington, Wearside, because his hair was too short (Echo, April 25).

This is in line with national guidelines, the appearance policy including hairstyles, according to a Sunderland City Council spokeswoman.

What has happened to common sense and the right of the individual (even children)?

This is surely victimisation and discrimination of this young boy.

What kind of message does this send out to younger members of the community?

How are we ever going to improve contacts between our young people and the older generation, and those in authority, when we have rules like this?

Come on, Sunderland council, make a decision to promote your young people – not alienate them.

Ian Jamieson, Spennymoor, Co Durham.