Schools are unmoved by a request to relax their facial hair policies for Movember.

Organisers have asked principals around the country to let students take part in the campaign, to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues.

The Movember Foundation's Robert Dunne says teenage boys have told them they want to take part.

"Mental health and suicide prevention is a big issue amongst that demographic and we think this could be something that is a really proactive way to go around trading conversation and tackling the issue."

However only a few schools are willing to relax their clean shaven rules.

President of the Secondary Principals Association Michael Williams said they are supportive of what's a great cause.

"It's a priority but growing a 'mo' isn't the only way to address it."

Mr Williams said schools have to be able to maintain their autonomy in setting rules.