Not All Schools Embrace Teen Hugging Fad

Kids fill hallways with displays of affection

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted May 28, 2009 8:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hugging is hip these days among teens: School hallways are clogged with pairs, or trios, of kids embracing, the New York Times reports. “We’re not afraid, we just get in and hug,” said a high school junior. But some schools aren’t so happy with the public affection. “Touching and physical contact is very dangerous territory,” said a principal who banned the practice.

“It was needless hugging—they are in the hallways before they go to class. It wasn’t a greeting. It was happening all day,” she added. Kids say there’s nothing sexual about it—and gender makes no difference. “Maybe it’s because all these kids do is text and go on Facebook so they don’t even have human contact anymore,” notes a parent.

[Images (2)]

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Some schools have cracked down on hugs. (Shutterstock)

These days, hugging is huge among teens. (Shutterstock)

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Without question, the boundaries of touch have changed in American culture. We display bodies more readily, there are fewer rules governing body touch and a lot more permissible access to other people’s bodies. - Sociologist Amy L. Best

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 4 comments

Unaffiliated

May 28, 2009 3:47 AM CDT

Someone needs to give that principal a hug.

Observer

May 28, 2009 3:22 AM CDT

Only zero tolerance perverts would consider hugging dangerous. Touch is our most important sense. It is the lack of touch that is dangerous. Isolation, repression and alienation lead to depression, frustration and the urge to go postal. Go ahead people hug and enjoy. F the authorities. GROUP HUG!!

Nwambe

May 28, 2009 1:59 AM CDT

No, it's not. It's very easy for a student to say that a hug moved from a simple, innocent gesture of affection into more sinister territory, after which some overzealous parent could decide to sue the school board for lack of supervision. I back the principal's decision; even though it sounds ridiculous, it's there for student and personnel safety.

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Not All Schools Embrace Teen Hugging Fad