School banning hugs

[Justicegf]

Just that really.
DC's secondary school has just implemented a no hug rule with a consequence of detention.

DC is gay and has been a victim of hate crime many times in school, the latest time a few days ago. DC says teachers have ignored friends hugging and told DC and partner to stop and so DC feels targeted.

Aibu to be that parent and complain?

[QueenofCBA]

If they want a ban on hugging it needs to be universal / non-discriminatory. Complain about it and mention their hypocrisy.

[Serin]

YANBU.
How ridiculous.
If I was sure DC and partner were just hugging (and not snogging each others faces off) I would complain too.

[JessicaWakefieldSVH]

YANBU my DD tells me her and her friends hug at school often- she’s autistic and loves to hug if people are ok with it. Seems very strange to ban it. If your child feels targeted, absolutely tell them

[BellaVista1540]

whats your DS’s sexuality got to do with it?

[malmi]

They are letting 'no hugging' slide when apparently platonic, i.e. same-sex hugging, but enforcing the rule against OP's DS because they judge him to be engaging in non-platonic same-sex hugging.

The whole thing is stupid because hugging is great and almost always platonic when done correctly.

[BellaVista1540]

Oh I see, the OP never said the school SLT, board of governors and local authority were homophobic. I get it now

[Seeleyboo]

Oh ffs. We all need hugs. Tell the school to ffffff. Ok not quite but still. Human contact is a must. Tell your DS to hug away.

[Walkingdeadfangirl]

I can see how teachers wouldn't bother with 'friendly' hugs. But if kids are in a relationship those 'hugs' will be a lot more sexualised and teachers are right to stop them. Don't see how you son is being targeted.

[NailsNeedDoing]

There can be platonic friendly hugging and hugging between people who are physically attracted to each other. One is acceptable at school and one isn't, regardless of whether it's same sex or opposite sex people doing it.

Find out what it is exactly that they are trying to ban before you complain.

[SmileEachDay]

Jees. The school has made a completely non enforceable pointless rule that will cause conflict with students.

We have a slightly amorous couple in year 10 at the moment and a bit of good naturedmild teasing does the trick.

Silly rule.

[BellaVista1540]

@SmileEachDay so #metoo is a silly concept? Cos ‘hugs’ are part of that

[Chouetted]

Is this a modern incarnation of the old "six inch rule"? It's probably a good idea but needs to be enforced fairly.

[Bookworm01]

It's a stupid rule. Rather than impose it, why doesn't the school teach consent and about personal space in SRE instead?

YYY to pointing out the hypocrisy.

[FullOfJellyBeans]

I think it seems like a silly rule. On the other hand are you sure your DS is just hugging his partner in a friendly way? If they're getting hot and heavy then there would be a reason for the school to object. If they're doing the same as platonic friends then obviously it would be hypocritical.

[SmileEachDay]

@SmileEachDay so #metoo is a silly concept? Cos ‘hugs’ are part of that

What the fuck?

[Lovingbenidorm]

Don’t want to out anyone here but my dd told me today of an event at school where 2 girls were ‘snitched on’ by another girl for ‘making out’
Could this be the same school?!
My feelings are that school is not really an appropriate place for anyone, totally regardless of sex and/or gender to be getting jiggy but I certainly take objection to a ‘no hugs’ rule.
If it was my dc, I think I would definitely be having words with the school.
Surely the issue is ‘don’t snog in school ‘
I say again regardless of anything else.
Hugs are lovely and should NOT be banned!!

[CheshireChat]

Banning hugging in general is bloody stupid.

If kids get a bit heavy, then deal with that don't ban basic human contact.

This reminds me of a headteacher that dealt with difficult teens, and after allowing small, physical contact the rate of violent offences plummeted.

[CheshireChat]

Found the article

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/16/excluded-children-hope-knife-crime-school

[Lovingbenidorm]

Why are some people assuming that op’s dc is a boy?
She never said

[Rottencooking]

@lovingbenidorm why are you assuming OP is female? They never said. [santa]

[PurpleDaisies]

There are hugs and there are hugs. Was it possible that the hug between partners was a bit more amorous than you were told?

I agree a blanket ban on hugs is wrong.

[Lovingbenidorm]

Rotten I’m not assuming anything! Just pointing out that op didn’t disclose whether her dc was a boy or a girl.
A few posts have said “he” and “DS”

[Lovingbenidorm]

Oh Rotten ! Yes, thank you, just caught on.
I have no idea if op is Male, female or indeed any of the many other options available now.
I apologise

[Justicegf]

It was just hugging.
DC was told it was a new whole school rule but I've asked friends with DC's in the same school and they haven't heard of it yet.
There is a lot of hate/bullying at school and online because they are gay. They are both very sensitive about different treatment to them than other children.

[Lovingbenidorm]

Don’t think it can be the same school op. My dc’s School is certainly not known for hate crimes, bullying or homophobia.
Who did you hear this new school rule from?
If your child was hugging someone else, a friend or partner, then there is absolutely no reason at all for it to be banned