A Long Island middle school has recently banned baseballs, footballs, soccer balls, lacrosse balls, essentially all balls that have a hard outer surface. Additionally, the kids are not permitted to play any organized games such as tag without adult supervision. The justification for restricted play being a construction project in the area that limits the space that children can move in. Parents and the school board are obviously concerned about safety, but at what point does protecting become sheltering? Controversy sparked over the internet as people have adamantly voiced their outrage or shown their support. Some commend the school for avoiding possible injuries and lawsuits, while others attack the move for robbing children of essential pastimes. There has been no indication as to how long the construction and the restricted play will last.
I understand the importance of safety, but come on, no tag unless there is adult supervision. What's next? No running unless you write a formal request? And can I emphasize that this is a middle school! An elementary school may need these guidelines, but by middle school parents need to start trusting their children with themselves. This is a case of parents being overprotective and a school attempting to avoid lawsuits. Besides the fundamental issue of denying kids the ability to play and be free, they are restricting their mobility. For many kids, who go home and sit in front of the tv or have their devices glued to their hands, recess is the only opportunity they have to get any real exercise. This entire situation sounds like a bad snl skit and parents need to realize the ridiculousness of not letting their children play.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/09/living/parents-middle-school-bans-balls-recess/index.html?hpt=us_r1
I agree with your analysis. I understand what the fear of the schools are but still this Is still kinda weird. I guess that's all I have to say about that one.
ReplyDeleteI actually fine it difficult to see the school's justification of this rule. Schools are intended for children to learn, as we all know, but they are also places for children to establish social skills, relationships, and make memories. You can't protect children from every little thing!! At some point, every kid will fall and scratch their arm, or scrap their knee while playing around, but this is all a part of learning to deal with common happenings in life. Playing sports really does build character and in the very least keeps them healthy.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is that child obesity rates in America are on the rise. Restricting the time/manner that they recess can only increase this prevalent problem! Kids love to run around and play at recess which keeps them healthier than they'd be without it and it's unreasonable for a school to take that away.
ReplyDeleteTimes have changed since our parents were in school. The preoccupation over safety was not nearly this pronounced. This fixation over safety has increased partly due to the similar increase of danger in the world. However, there is a point where precaution can go too far. I definitely agree of the importance of children being able to play free from overbearing restrictions. This is part of being a kid and this stage in children's lives should be allowed to flourish.
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