photo courtesy of razzle.com
Earlier this week it was reported that an elementary school in British Columbia has implemented a “no touching” policy for, get this, Kindergarten. Apparently the latest threat to society is that little Jimmy and little Johnny might hurt one another when they play Star Wars with their pretend Light Sabers. Really? The rule goes on to ban games like tag and BFFs are no longer allowed to stroll, arm in arm, around the playground. You can forget about settling disagreements with rock,paper, scissors too. What a sad state of affairs.
The school has said they set up this new rule due to recent injuries on the playground. Again I must ask, really? Does that mean that injuries are okay in the classroom, just not outside? I pity the poor teacher who has to enforce this rule. Little kids are naturally inclined to reach out and touch someone. It’s part of learning about the world around you. It’s why they all come home during the first two weeks of school with lovely, little colds. Hello, curiosity calling.. What are they to do when using play-doh or having little car chases? Oh and what about gym class? How on earth will they keep their hands to themselves when playing that parachute game? I guess the ole Twister box is headed for the recycle bin.
So how do you think those who violate this no touching rule are gonna be punished? Cleaning chalkboard erasers? Doing lines? Nope, the punishment is to be missed play time spent in the office. What a great message to send to the next generation: show affection to your friends, use your imagination during playtime or try to get some exercise in while you play and you’re in trouble Mister..or Missy.. Here’s a thought: try telling the children to be a little more aware of their surroundings so as not to accidentally bump into your little friend. Or if you do bump into them why not use this as an opportunity to teach the kiddos how to say, “I am sorry”. What a great life lesson those three words can be and believe me the benefits you reap when you teach it at a young age are plentiful indeed. Have a peek at this lesson I had to learn..
So what’s next, telling children they aren’t allowed to take out a library book in case they get a paper cut? Remember, their little friends won’t be allowed to apply the band aid…
So I have to ask, do you agree or disagree with me on this one? I’d love to know. 🙂
FT&PD
Suz
Where do these people come from? Touch is such an important sense. These ‘reformers’ scare me more than a few bruises or scraps on the knee from playing tag does! Thanks for sharing Suz.
I so agree Gemma!! I nearly drove off the road when I heard about this!
Suz
The poor kids! Some people are afraid of a Zombie invasion, this might just happen if that keeps up (all joking aside that’s just wrong.)
LOL, so true Michelle!
Suz
This goes too far, and does not TEACH the kids anything. I get being worried about kids getting hurt, but then educate them, and supervise their play. Redirect to more appropriate games, an outright ban is just stupid.
Yup, I agree Katie!
Suz
Wow, what a sad day for those kids. I am soo glad that I grew up in the 50’s and onward, I really feel for my grand children, I just don’t know what this world is coming too.
I know Mom, it is just too crazy!
Suz
I’m willing to bet this policy is to make playground supervision easier for the teachers. Same reason our kids are plopped in front of a movie every lunch hour while they eat, heaven forbid that they would actually have a discussion with a classmate over lunch.
So how will these kids play soccer or basketball in school with this rule? Both sports you can’t help but have a bump here or there……………..or are they going to budget for huge human sized hamster balls for all the kids so that they can’t possibly touch each other.
Hey, who am I to say, I’m not a “child expert” like those who make the rules. At least in our schools (we are in Alberta) it is pretty obvious that the teachers think of parents as just being breeders. I am sure that this decision for “no touching” will solve all the world’s issues (cue sarcasm!).
It is so sad Deb to think that all of the things that are out there for these kids to discover ( playing those hand clapping games comes to mind) is off limits now. It will make supervision easy, but can they stomach watching the little ones just stand around staring at one another? So sad 🙁
Suz
I agree with you! This is going too far and I’m so sad to learn of this. There’s reasonable precautions and then there’s being just plain ridiculous!
Yup Kelly, there has to be a happy medium..
Suz
how that’s taking things just a little (a lot) too far! I agree, pity the teachers who are stuck enforcing that!
Yes you are right Jennifer, not only the kids will suffer from this…
Suz
Good grief. How are they ever going to enforce a no touching rule with four and five year olds.
LOL, I only have one and I can’t get him to keep his hands to himself..
Suz
Society is getting ridiculous! I think we need to stop going from one extreme to the other and instead start teaching our children the importance of respect. Its find to touch someone, as long as you have the permission and its in a friendly way.
yup Jennifer, there can definitely be a happy medium if people took the time to find it..
Suz
I am so sick of schools trying to ‘reform’ or children into anything OTHER than kids!! No competitions, no honour rolls, no touching….all these kids are hearing is No – STOP – YOU CAN’T…. we are no longer allowing our children to be children and are stripping them of their basic fundamentals to live normal happy lives (including those of dealing with disappointment, wanting to strive for something better and consequences from our actions). This world is falling apart before our eyes……
It is so sad Crystal, but unfortunately very true. I won’t even tell you about my daughter’s school not wanting her to volunteer! Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts with us.
Suz
It’s absolutely crazy that they are enforcing such a policy. Children learn through touch and need to learn how to be respectful of peers space in doing so. They need to find a happy medium!
You are correct Alana, a happy medium should be found. They are really jumping the gun on this one 🙁
Suz
This is totally ridiculous. Inappropriate touching is completely different from playing.
Yup, you got it Katie, now let’s hope that school does to..
Suz
I totally agree with you! Like other posters have said, touch is a very important for social and emotional development. It’s all part of being young… The way society is evolving is going to make for a very delicate and sensitive older generation that aren’t going to be able to cope with the reality of working in the ‘real world’. The children need to learn what touching is acceptable and what hurts other people for themselves… They are going to grow up and start to experiment with those important social skills which they missed out on when they were little, and it’s going to be much more inappropriate and with way more consequences.
But that’s just my opinion…
You are spot on Crystal!…I hope these schools realize it before it is too late..
Suz
This is ridiculous at such a young age… I understand we have a huge problem with bullies and there is definately a need for more supervision – but at this age??? We see kids hugging and comforting each other all the time and feel it is wonderful. I think it will be counter productive.
I so agree with you Tammiko. These children need to be able to express themselves in the moment or they will never learn to..
Suz
It seems like people spend too much time dreaming up new rules and over thinking who might be offended by what and all it leads to is confusion and unhappiness. It is difficult enough for children to fit in and enjoy school. This no touch rule is really over the top and I totally disagree. If my children were in that school I would be finding an alternate form of education that isn’t run by a bunch of nut balls.
LOL I love your spirit Dianne and totally agree..
Suz
I agree with you!
Our children are being made into little gov. soldiers is what it seems. They are being taught to not think for themselves, defend for themselves, not to dress themselves, not to learn manner, not to help others (unless it is a gov. program), etc.. They are being taught that getting a great job and making a lot of money is not a good thing unless you are willing to give the money to someone who does not work or is less fortunate. Dont get me wrong, I do try to help others, but I do not give all my money away. I tend to like keeping some for myself. Have you seen what they are doing to children who point their finger and shout “bang, bang”? LOL!
Home schooling is ALWAYS a good thing! 🙂
Life is certainly different for kids now Dawn, much more so then when I was growing up. It makes me a little afraid for what the future holds for the next generation 🙁
suz
This a ridiculous! It was probably one jerk of a parent who complained about something really silly and this is what the result is.
I do remember when this happened. You are right, it is very sad. Kids are naturally inclined to touch and that is how they show affection too, especially when they can’t quite express themselves with words. I will continue to encourage my kids to touch (kindly, of course). there is no replacement for a hug of a pat on the back.
This is beyond totally ridiculous..
Wow,where do they get these ideas from…no touching..thats just crazy our world is changing so quickly and believe me most of its not for the BETTER
Wow, I couldn’t believe that when I read it, talk about going over the top. One of a child’s most important sensors is touch, this is absolutely ridiculous. I agree teaching them to say I’m sorry is far more important. What is a blind child to do, get punished if she/he actually touches someone. A ridiculous rule, instead of kids learning to put up with bruises and scrapes whilst having fun playing together they now learn that touching each other is completely wrong. Well I for one believe that the rule makers are totally wrong on this one!
It sounds crazy. What happened to the goo old days where friends held hands,hugged played tag . It really makess no since.
The extreme policies leave no room for judgement or learning proper boundaries and deprive children of learning what normal, good human contact is. It will do untold damage as they grow up.
Society has officially gone too far! I worry about this generation, the sheer amount of things they aren’t allowed to do is staggering…
It should be about APPROPRIATE touching, not NO touching… So unreal!!!! Very good points made here!