New Jersey middle school bans hugging because 'students were engaging in unsuitable, physical interactions'



A middle school principal banned students from hugging each other while they attend class.

Principal Tyler Blackmore labeled the Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School in New Jersey a 'no hugging school.'

The ban comes after district officials determined that some of the school's more than 900 students were engaging in 'unsuitable, physical interactions.'

'Inappropriate': Students at Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School in New Jersey (pictured) embrace after they were told they were banned from hugging

David M Healy, district superintendent, said the restriction is a response to specific incidents that violated policies on inappropriate relationships.

'We have a responsibility to teach children about appropriate interactions and about having a structured, academically focused environment,' Mr Healy said in a statement.

The superintendent went on to say that he believed Mr Blackmore was tackling the issue in the right manner when he informed students about the ban as part of several announcements the principal makes to the pupils on a daily basis.

Mr Healy said in his statement: 'I have confidence in Mr Blackmore and his administrative team and believe that he acted in a responsible manner.'

Students at the school range in age from 11 to 14 in grades sixth through eighth.

Although they are not allowed to embrace each other, students will not be suspended for their actions.

'Structured environment': The hugging ban was issued at the middle school (pictured) after officials decided the activity wasn't proper in an academic setting

The school has not developed a specific policy that prevents students from hugging.

However, Mr Healy said the school does have guidelines on bullying, inappropriate relationships and inappropriate conduct. The hugging ban falls into those categories.

Parent Tammy Sabatini told CBS New York that she was baffled that her three children, who all attend the school, can't express their affection to one another.

Sabatini told the news agency: 'They've hugged forever since they were babies, and now they're being told they can't do it.'

'Responsible manner': Principal Tyler Blackmore announced the hugging ban, which the district superintendent supported calling it a logical approach

The school is not the first to implement a no-hugging policy.

Last year, a 14-year-old boy and his female best friend of the same age were suspended at their middle school in Palm Bay, Florida for an innocent embrace.