Yesterday I posted a great article on just how much teens are texting these days (hint: it’s even more than you think). So it may be hard to believe that while our kids are so steeped in their own little virtual worlds, they are actually hugging and non-sexually touching each other more than ever! In fact, gratuitous hugging has become so common and disruptive lately that many middle and high schools around the country are actually banning this seemingly innocent gesture. In this article from the New York Times, Sarah Kershaw explores all the ins and outs of the new teenage hug.
So, what’s your take on all this? By banning hugging, are we making it even harder for the Facebook and Twitter generation to develop genuine human bonds? Or do you think teens right now are creeping into dangerous—or at least uncomfortable—territory? (For more perspective, see what our guest blogger Vanessa has to say here.)
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Newsvine2 Comments
Post a comment
Loading ...
I think ALL parents need to take away their childrens cell phones at night, or whenever they return home from their various activities. The texting and virtual world has given teens a chance to say things that they wouldn’t normally say in person or on the phone and it get them into trouble. I have 2 teenagers that I drug test routinely a tween and another younger one. I am the nosey mom, and proud of it
Ban hugging, huh? That is so rediculous! I am appauled at the thought of even considering this as a rule. I work with “at-risk” youth on a day to day basis and i am a mother of a tween. First and foremost youth today get in trouble for everything that they do. Wearing the wrong clothes, forgetting thier school id, showing up one minute late for class, putting on eyeliner in class, and the list goes on and on. We are missing the objective of school here. Students go to school to learn, not just from teachers but from eachother. Building relationships and “fitting in” is more important to teens than making the grade. So to prevent them from hugging is just another reason for them to rebel. Hugging is a natural way of showing someone you care about them. Where I am from, hugging is an everyday occurance. I would be sad in a world without hugs.
Loosen up people, let them hug for crying out loud!!!!!
Our youth today are re-defining how we communicate. They are merely adapting to thier environment. And lets face it, technology is a big part of that. Us old folks just need to accept it and adapt to thier needs.