Victorian primary school principal slams claims about 'hugging ban'
A Victorian principal has hit back at claims banned hugging from his Geelong west school, insisting he never banned hugging and statements made were misunderstood.
St Patricks Primary School principal John Grant allegedly told students should refrain from physical displays of affection and encouragement late last week which has since sparked a media mix-up.
Hugging between students and also between staff and students has reportedly become a problem at the school and Mr Grant wanted teachers to educate students on alternative ways they can show affection.
Mr Grant was not available to speak with Yahoo7 directly, but released a statement firing back at claims made against the school's reported hugging ban.
“Let me be clear St Patrick’s school has not applied a blanket ban on hugging,” the statement read.
“We are simply focussed (sic) on teaching all students to respect their own and other people’s personal space.
“We are encouraging students to consider other forms of positive acknowledgement as all students have the right to feel safe and comfortable at school.”
Mr Grant earlier told News Corp that children at his school have been "enthusiastic huggers" and approached teachers to show alternative ways students could show they care about one another, without being touched.
The principal says he is trying to "respect personal space" and wants students to "high five" or "clunk knuckles" with each other as an alternative way of encouraging each other.
Columnist Kerri Sackville, told ‘’The Daily Edition’’ that the alleged rule is "P-C [political correctness] gone wrong”.
“This is something we should be encouraging in schools,” Sackville said.
“There will always be a child who is uncomfortable with being loved but unfortunately kids need to grow up and learn skills to find ways to deal with things they feel comfortable with."
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