When I first caught this news report, I hardly knew how to react. I alternated between laughing at the absurdity and being stunned in utter amazement that this was news and not "Saturday Night Live."
Every single day I advise my clients to both give and receive plenty of hugs. Hugging is good for our mental and physical health (it boosts our immune system and helps our moods).
Certainly if there is inappropriate touching of a sexual or aggressive nature, this could do harm and should be stopped. But, there are already rules in place to handle these situations in schools.
Offering and accepting support in all ways is important. Removing a normal and natural method for friends to boost each other's confidence and self-esteem in school - where support is often most needed - is both silly and sad. I remember the slogan, "Hugs, Not Drugs!" Would we rather our young people find other ways of feeling comforted?
