QUEENSLAND, Australia – Schools in Queensland, Australia are banning Christmas candy canes over “obesity” and littering concerns.

The Courier-Mail reports at least six Queensland schools have warned students not to bring candy canes to class this Christmas season, but many parents believe the move is silly.

Bradley Fox, principal of Burpengary State School told the news site the school banned candy canes this year to set an example for students about healthy eating habits, acknowledging some believe he’s being a “Christmas Grinch.”

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“While our school works really hard to positively role model and promote healthy eating, the tradition of children exchanging candy canes at this time of year undermines all that work,” Fox said.

“As a community, we believe it is necessary to examine and challenge the hidden messages we send out to children at Christmas.”

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, All Saints Anglican School, St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Fernvale State School, Marian State School and St Brigid’s have also warned students not to bring candy canes to school this year.

Holy Cross principal Wendy Manners told the news site the decision was made because of the “clear link between sugar intake and behavior,” the Courier-Mail reports.

The Australian Dental Association also thinks it’s a good move.

“They’re even worse than lollies or candies as the kids hold them in their mouth for a long period of time,” ADA oral health committee chairman Peter Alldritt said.

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“It’s bathing your teeth in sugar and acid.”

However, Peter Hawkins, a father of two elementary students at Holy Spirit School, said he doesn’t mind if his children eat and share a few candy canes around Christmas.

“It’s not every day it happens,” Hawkins told the Courier-Mail. “I don’t have a problem … they (the schools) should lighten up.”

Regardless of what parents think, Burpengary State School is encouraging students to exchange pencils or handmade cards this year instead of candy canes, and some other schools are taking things a step further.

At Glasshouse Country Christian College, school officials have also banned reindeer antlers and elf hats. They’re also asking students to keep their Christmas cards to themselves until a week before the big day.

“It (reindeer antlers and elf hats) is just one more thing for teachers to deal with … it’s difficult enough to keep students focused,” principal Mike Curtis told the news site.

“Unfortunately, schools at time have got to be a bit Grinch and say, that’s enough sugar.”

Many who commented on the story clearly don’t agree.

“Oh geez, even the Grinch and Scrooge would consider this a bit too far,” Greg wrote on the Courier-Mail site.

“Candy Canes! Life-threatening weapons of mastication! They must be banned!!!” John joked.