Yeah...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21097673/

I almost posted this in the Controversial Thread... Mods, feel free to move it if it turns such.

What are your thoughts on the article?

Personally, I'm all for banning PDA-- IF it's the kissy, hands in inappropriate places kind. But the stuff this article is talking about seems to be taking the ban too far.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. It does seem like school restrictions are a bit over the top these days, but usually because of the abuse of these certain things.

As for the hugging... well, as most of you can tell by my constant (hugs) on the site, I'm a hugger, as were all my friends in jr. high and high school. Well, I actually did feel like things were getting waaaay out of hand when I very literally could not make it down the halls of my school without being hugged on every other step by some hormonal guy who wanted to pretend it was 'just a friend thing.' Please!

I actually went on a hug strike in the tenth grade and told every boy they couldn't hug me. Some got MAD at me about it. (shaking head) I felt like my space was being invaded, and I didn't want to be 'mean' by pushing them away. I was social and enjoyed hugging the people I cared about, but some guys POUTED when I told them I wouldn't hug them!!

In January of my tenth grade year, I went through what my dad ever since has referred to as 'terminal meltdown' over stupid hugging arguments that went something like, you let him hug you and you won't let ME??' I came home and threw an all out tantrum and told my parents I was going on a hug strike.

All of this to say, the hormone thing is nothing to dismiss in this age group. Girls hugging their girlfriends is one thing, but when the boys get involved, well, I know from experience, things can go too far and boundaries can be easily violated. Scarier for me as a mom, I know that a lot of the budding young ladies of this generation are affection starved and are eating up any physical contact and show of affection they can get from any boy.

BTW, even in my teenage frustration, I never stopped hugging on my girlfriends. (smiles)

(HUGS and KISSES!!!!!!!)

Joy

Wow Joy! I had no idea it could be that bad. I went to a Chrisitian and they had the whole PDA rules anyway. They weren't strict on hugging, but not many people hugged unless they were dating or girlfriends. I could understand if it was banned for things like that. When you can't even get to class because every hormonal guy wants to get their arms around you.. well it should be banned. But high 5's well that is a bit over the top. Sounds like the really strict college my sister went to where guys and girls could not touch at all.

I think there is a time and place for everything, and me personally, I don't think school is the place for hugs and all. I think the high 5 thing stems from a gang related issue, not sure, think I heard my bil say something about it.

I have no problem in seeing a man (or lady) steal a quick kiss from his wife (or her husband) in the grocery store. I thought it was cute the other day when I witnessed an older gentleman (say mid 70's, maybe) swat his wife on her rear. (to think, they still have that, is awesome enough in and of itself, LOL) BUT, in high school, it isn't love-based flirting, it's lust and hormones, so that said, I'm all for Anti-PDA schools, just mho

From the perspective of a teacher...there are some bans that happen that I think are silly--such as schools that oultaw playing tag because someone may get hurt--but it is hard to know where to draw the line with certain types of PDA and many times something innocent can be misused or twisted into something not so innocent. With the age group I work with, 6-8 grades, it gets difficult to know is friendly supportive hugging and cop-a-feel hugging. We don't have any kinds of bans per se right now, but we address PDA/excessive familiarity in our handbook and discourage it in the halls. High 5's and the like also can get out of hand...it sounds silly to some, but when you ahve a group of 8th grade football boys (or any sport any either gender) and they get going on that kind of stuff, they can get out of hand quickly.