Beijing: In a bizarre crackdown, a Chinese University has reportedly banned student couples from holding hands, putting their arms around each others’ shoulders or feeding each other in the canteen.

The new code of conduct, released by Jilin Construction University in the city of Changsha, has been mocked by students and many of China’s social media users.

According to China’s New Culture View newspaper, “An assistant teacher will have private conversations with those who are in love, telling them not to have physical contact or engage in improper behaviour on campus.”

The university intervened to prevent “uncivilised” behaviour among students by banning them from holding hands, putting their arms around each others’ shoulders or spooning rice into their partners’ mouths, the report said.

According to one teacher, the clampdown is intended to help students “cultivate themselves to become civilised people.”

The rules pay particular attention to behaviour in the university canteen, where cameras have been installed. Students are banned from feeding each other or any such “intimate behaviour”.

“Improper behaviour, like kissing and hugging in public places such as the subway, have been (widely) revealed by the media. If such behaviours are seen in the canteen, we don’t think it’s proper,” a teacher was quoted as saying.

The teacher admitted that the measure was a preventative one rather than a reaction to any specific incidents, according to The Independent.

The teacher said the measures were “just codes of conduct rather than a rule to be obeyed by everyone”, but that did not prevent the move being mocked.

A student was quoted as saying, “This norm is weird and we can’t help laughing. It’s the 21st century. As adults, we don’t dare to behave so explicitly in public places. I never see lovers feed each other rice, so the norm is unnecessary.”

A canteen worker said, “We’ve cameras covering the canteen to ensure safety. I’m pleased as it’s necessary to prevent uncivilised behaviour.”

“I’ve never seen students feeding each other rice,” the worker said.