I understand your instinct that this is a one-off situation.

But this is common behavior in the U.S.

As I explained in another comment, this is socially enforced as well as through laws.

Typically impoverished families will be coerced into this behavior, and wealthier families whole-heartedly believe in this behavior.

Childhood isn't Freedom here. It's the years of your life in which the law requires you to be under surveillance, indoctrinated, and strictly following dress code and acceptable haircuts.

Not less than 2 months ago, a kid was punished and moved into a reformatory school because he committed the ungodly crime of having an unapproved haircut.