CLIFFWOOD, NJ — It seems it is easier to get the cold shoulder than a warm hug at a New Jersey middle school.

A new rule is stirring up controversy at Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School in Cliffwood, NJ — No hugging.

Principal Tyler Blackmore recently made an announcement during school, essentially saying it is a no-hugging zone.

The kids said they risk detention if they hug each other inside the school.

Parent Deirdre Ring agrees with the new policy. “There was probably some inappropriate physical contact going on that led to this decision,” Ring said.

Parents said they got automated phone calls from the principal trying to clarify what he told the students, but some are still annoyed they were not notified in the first place.

School Superintendent David Healy issued a statement supporting the principal.

“Mr. Blackmore is responsible for the safety and well-being of over 900 children ranging from 11 to 14 years in age, and to that end he makes several announcements on a daily basis,” Healy said. “In an effort to address some incidents of unsuitable physical interactions between students, Mr. Blackmore made an announcement to his students that they were in a ‘no hugging school.'”

As for the publicity surrounding the new rule, Healy said, “It is unfortunate that there are those who find purpose and humor in sensationalizing such a routine school-related issue at the expense and inconvenience of our children and our school community.”

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