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May 16, 2008 6:05 pm US/Central
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School Implements 'No Touching' Playground Policy
(WCCO)
A new "no touching" policy at a Minneapolis elementary school is stirring controversy among parents and students.
The new playground policy went into effect Thursday at Armatage Elementary School, and it didn't take parents long to choose sides.
As often happens on the playground, rumors and misinformation spread quickly.
"Some people are scared to touch other people because think they're gonna to the Principal's office and get in trouble," said 5th Grader Shayla Cain-Harris.
"I'm not even sure if we can give each other high fives," said 5th Grader Olivia Webster.
The policy is designed to prevent injuries from children who play too rough.
"Sometimes when some people are playing tag, and they get really mad that they're not tagging anybody else, some they go really up real close and push them down to the ground," said Olivia.
The new rule bans touch football. Only flag football is allowed.
"The other issue that came up was the 'play fighting,' is that some kids you know, would get wrestling and touching each other, and it would sometimes escalate," said Principal Joan Franks.
Kids at recess following the announcement have different opinions on the "no touch" rule.
"I think it's a good rule because half of the whole time whenever we play football people tackle each other down, and they get hurt, and they have to go to the office, and sometimes they get hurt real bad" said 5th grader Abdul Aziz.
"I think it's kind of stupid because we can't play our favorite games now, like tag," said Shayla.
The policy has parents of both sides of the issue flooding the school with feedback
"I think it's a good idea for injury and to keep the kids safe. They can get injured from a ball being thrown at them or another child pushing them or shoving them. I think it's a real good policy and it's what they should have," said Grandmother Julie Flaskamy.
"I don't agree with that at all. I mean, kids are kids. They like to wrestle, they like to play, they like to high five. I think banning that is ridiculous," said parent Stephanie Schoenrock.
The principal at Armatage will send a letter home to all the parents Monday to clarify the policy. She wanted to make it clear hand holding, hugging and other non-aggressive or non-offensive touching is not part of the ban. Her main goal is to keep all students safe.
It's a policy other Minneapolis schools have had in place for years. It's designed to ensure all students have a fun, not dangerous time on the playground.
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