Manchester student union 'bans' clapping to avoid triggering anxiety

It was thought the British Sign Language jazz hands should be used instead. Credit: Google Earth

Clapping has been "banned" at University of Manchester Students’ Union events in a bid to avoid triggering anxiety and improve accessibility for students attending events.

According to a report in the student newspaper The Mancunion,students are instead encouraged to use the BSL "jazz hands" to express their support.

They wrote: "It was argued that the loud noise of traditional clapping and whooping pose an issue to students with anxiety or sensory issues. BSL (British Sign Language) clapping – or, jazz hands – would be a more inclusive form of expression."

How do you clap in British Sign Language?