KISSING between pupils in school plays should stop at a peck on the cheek, according to new guidelines aimed at stopping abuse.

Drama teachers and directors thinking of putting on Romeo And Juliet may soon have to make sure there is no kissing on the lips during the balcony scene, following an inquiry born out of a child abuse case in Wales.

A review of drama teaching was one of the key recommendations from the 2004 Clywch inquiry into allegations of child abuse at Rhydeflen Secondary School, in South Wales, when former drama teacher John Owen used his subject as "a vehicle for improper activity with children".

But a York youth play director has branded the guidelines as "ridiculous" saying that they base no reference to common sense.

The guidelines state: "Drama teachers must cut or adapt plays if they have to, in order to protect children and young people... they should be able to provide a proper justification for what they do, based on the best interests of the learner, and not rely on arguments about the artistic integrity of the text."

This could lead to traditional school plays like Romeo And Juliet, or musicals like Grease, where Danny and Sandy share a passionate clinch, being cut because they include kissing or sexual scenes.

York Youth Theatre, based at the Theatre Royal, is currently rehearsing for a production of Franz Kafka's play The Trial, which is on from March 1 to 4.

The play is being performed by 46 youngsters aged between 14 and 21 studying drama at schools and colleges across the city, and features a kiss between two 17-year-olds.

Director Sarah Brigham said the new guidelines did not take in to account common sense.

"My view on it is if you have a good child protection policy in place - and we do have - and you approach it in a manner that's sensitive, there should be no problems," she said.

"I know the young people I work with well enough to know which you can put in that situation and which you can't.

"The key is discussion, to talk to them first and, if they are uncomfortable, you just don't do it.

"To be honest, I have seen school productions of Chicago with youngsters parading around in their underwear, and I would say that's more uncalled for than kissing."

The guidelines also point to whether using strong language in lessons and productions is in the best interest of students.

Huntington School drama teacher Sarah Light said: "I can understand why it would be brought in to protect students but, certainly, at a secondary school where you have got GCSE and A-level assessments, you are going against the intentions of the play if you replace a potentially passionate kiss with a peck on the cheek."

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, February 18, 2006