School is a place packed full of official regulations. But there are loads of rules that aren't to be found in any text book or school noticeboard. These are the unwritten rules that govern what you look like, listen to and what attitudes you have towards your classmates. They may seem trivial but you don't have to look too closely to see how unfair they are. The pupils of Dumbarton Academy drew up this list of unwritten rules, and also how to tear them up and make your school a better place.

If a girl goes out with a lot of boys she is called a 'slut' Girls might admire her up to a point, but call her names anyway out of jealousy. She would also be called a 'slapper' and 'easy'.

If a boy goes out with lots of girls he is a 'legend' If a guy has several different girlfriends in a short space of time the girls will be called gullible, but the guy is a star. If he is having sex with them he is worshiped by his peers.

Girls aren't allowed short hair Even if they have an illness that means their hair must be short, they would still be teased. It's boyish and different. Some girls might want to cut their hair because it's easier to manage when short, but don't because they don't want to break this rule.

On the other hand hair isn't an issue with guys. Guys can even use straighteners on their hair (emo kids especially) and not many people mind. They just look like they're in a band.

Long black coats aren't allowed If you have a uniform it's hard to be expressive through clothes at school. Apart from coats. Long black coats, as worn by goths, receive a lot of abuse. As do people who wear fingerless gloves.

Guys must not wear make-up Boys who paint their nails will get slagged, but girls can wear anything. Some guys wear eye shadow but they will get abuse.

Girls, on the other hand, are expected to wear make up. It makes them feel more confident because everyone else is.

Girls should always shave their legs If you let the hair grow on your legs you will be called jungle woman. It will be mainly be picked up by other girls. Girls can be harder on other girls than boys are.

There are some sports that girls shouldn't play Like rugby. It's a pretty tough sport and would be looked down upon if girls played it. But it's not as bad as it used to be.

Guys can't like boybands Despite their name, boybands aren't made for boys. If you like Westlife you will be called 'gay'. Girls, however, can like any kind of music.

'Gay' means 'rubbish' It's not as strong an insult as it once was because it's used so often. However if you are called gay in front of a large group it is still embarrassing. It is not confined to people: subjects, actions and items of clothing can be gay.

Girls enforce these rules with other girls, and boys with boys.

Girls don't mind anything that might be considered 'gay' in a guy as much as guys do. Girls and boys who are actually gay must be pretty hurt that 'friends' use gay to mean either 'rubbish' or as an insult.

Boys aren't allowed to show emotion Girls can show emotion with each other but if a guy cries that means he's weak. Girls can hug each other but guys have to turn it into a macho beating of chests. Girls can hold hands with each other, but if boys do it people won't go near them.

If you break these rules you will be cast out That's why people follow these rules, because they want to have friends and be part of a group. There are long-term effects too. You hear about people who descend into depression and have suicidal thoughts because everyone called them names. Or girls leaving school early because they were called a slut.

AND HOW TO TEAR UP THESE RULES
Once you realise how unfair all these rules are, how things apply to girls but not to boys and vice versa, you can challenge them. Start by challenging it with your friends.

Don't accept sexist or homophobic language or attitudes. Stand up to it and challenge it. It's because people challenged racist language that certain terms and attitudes are thankfully on the decline.

When you call someone a name think of the consequences. It may be harmless teasing to you, but you don't know how other people will react.

It's okay to be gay. People should stand up to anyone who says it's not. Support friends who may be gay and may go through hard times because of it.

It's not okay to be pressured into sex. Try and wait until you're ready and it's safe. If anyone makes you do things that you don't want to do then that is abuse. Tell an adult you can trust what is happening.

If you know of anyone who is getting a reputation and getting slagged off a lot, then encourage them to talk to a friendly teacher who will stand up for them and challenge the unwritten rules. People might dismiss it as banter but it's actually a serious matter with long-term consequences. It's bullying.

If you are strong and confident enough about yourself to laugh off any abuse and act like you don't care, do it. But not everyone is like that.

Whether it's been directed at you or not, jump in and challenge it. It's about changing atmospheres in school. There is an atmosphere of sexism in schools.

That is a way of controlling girls' behaviour.

If you are being bullied, talk to your personal care teacher. They are there to help. Or call Childline on 0800 11 11 11. All calls are confidential