A Washington state school district has banned the popular children's game of 'tag' on school grounds, KCPQ reports.
Mercer Island School District decided on the ban “to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all students,” said communications director for the district, Mary Grady, to KCPQ. “This means while at play, especially during recess and unstructured time, students are expected to keep their hands to themselves.”
But resident and mother of two, Melissa Neher, did not agree with the district’s decision and created a Facebook page to let other parents know about the ban. Within 24 hours more than a hundred parents voiced concern, especially because no one was informed by the district.
“I played tag, I survived,” said Neher to KCPQ. “Kids should be free to have spontaneous play on the playground at recess. It’s important for their learning.”
One elementary school has an outside sign to “encourage kids to join league sports teams---but playing tag on the playground is no longer allowed during recess,” KCPQ reports.
Grady said schools are finding “many alternative games available at recess and during unsupervised play, so that our kids can still have fun, be with their friends, move their bodies and give their brains a break,” KCPQ reports.
Read more at ksn.com
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