Breaking up is hard to do. But rather than teach children to cope with reality, some British schools are imposing best-friend bans.
Educational psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni explained, “They are doing it because they want to save the child the pain of splitting up from their best friend. But it is natural for some children to want a best friend. If they break up, they have to feel the pain because they’re learning to deal with it.”
“It seems bizarre,” said Russell Hobby of Britiain’s National Association of Head Teachers. He confirmed that some schools are adopting best-friend bans. “I don’t think it is widespread but it is clearly happening.”
Stateside, the principal of Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School in New Jersey declared its new policy is that “we are a no hugging school.” “Stupid,” “silly,” and “crazy” were the most common reactions from parents, students, and community members. So far, the principal and superintendent’s response has been “no comment.”
No word yet on whether a transatlantic alliance of school personnel is organizing to make de-friending on Facebook a crime against humanity.