Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School in New Jersey bans hugging because 'students were pursuing undesirable, physical interactions'

Great Lakes, IL (Jul. 3, 2002) -- Utilitiesman 1st Class Daniel Heathfield gets a big hug from his children at the main gate to Naval Station, Great Lakes. Heathfield is being demobilized following several months of duty at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. Petty Officer Heathfield's wife and children drove to Great Lakes from Minnesota to meet him upon his return home. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Michael Worner. (RELEASED) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A middle school principal announced 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 involved in 'undesirable, 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.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2119317/New-Jersey-middle-school-bans-hugging-students-engaging-unsuitable-physical-interactions.html#ixzz1qI1Zg7Aj