Armatage Elementary School in Minneapolis has implemented a "no touching" policy.
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.
Obviously, playing too rough is unacceptable. It's ALWAYS been unacceptable.
Principal Franks says rough play can escalate and cause injury. That has been the case FOREVER.
It's a safety issue. Fine. Then monitor the playground to make sure the play doesn't become dangerous.
There are so many children's games that involve holding hands.
No touching at all?
That's crazy.
Safety doesn't require tossing out judgment and common sense.
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