A motion to implement silent clapping was passed by student union representatives this week (Picture: Facebook/REX/PA)

Students at the University of Oxford have voted to ‘replace clapping’ with a silent wave because it ‘could trigger anxiety’.

They are instead being told to use ‘jazz hands’, where they wave their hands in the air.

The motion to ‘mandate the encouragement of silent clapping’ was successfully passed by the university’s student union officers, following their first meeting of the year on Tuesday.

It will come apply at student union events, and if successful, rolled out to other societies and events.

Oxford students had argued that alternatives to clapping already existed in some organisations and institutions and that they should follow suit.

It comes after the University of Manchester passed a similar motion in September last year.

Sabbatical Officers Roisin McCallion says the move is aimed at making events ‘more inclusive’ and accessible to all (Picture: Facebook)

Oxford university students say the policy is already in place elsewhere (Picture: Rex Features)

Jazz hands will be used at union meetings and events (Picture: EMPICS Entertainment)

Jazz hands is the British Sign Language expression for applause and is considered a more inclusive gesture.

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Sabbatical Officers Roisin McCallion said: ‘The policy was proposed in order to encourage the use of British Sign Language clapping during our democratic events, to make those events more accessible and inclusive for all, including people who suffer from anxiety.

‘Inclusivity is one of the Students’ Union’s founding principles.’