Another reason to be glad I don't have kids in school these days:
It's a disturbing game with devastating consequences, and a new WTHR survey suggests it is rampant in Indiana schools.
"Ball tapping" is the act of intentionally hitting or kicking a male in the genitals. Earlier this month, an Eyewitness News investigation showed the game has become commonplace in some area schools, resulting in serious injuries for students.
As part of the investigation, WTHR also conducted a statewide survey of school nurses. The results are in, and they show the problem of ball tapping is more common and widespread than many school officials had realized.
I confess this is a modern phenomenon I was not aware of, or at least that it was so common it had a formal name. In my day, young squirts, it was just called "dirty fighting." To kids today (it seems to be especially prevalent in middle schools), it's funny and harmless, the story says.
OK, you are now released without penalty from Old Fogy's Momentary
Comments
Leo:
Now THERE'S a novel way of keeping people off the lawn....and it's "funny and harmless", according to the kids.
What's there NOT to like about THAT, hmm?
A kick and a smile...who knew?
This probably sounds terribly old fashioned, but how about if the principal makes an announcement in the morning for like 5 days in a row reminding all students that any aggressive physical contact against other students is against school rules and if engaged in you will be expelled.
Then when somebody does it, you actually expel them.
Wow, there's a concept. No study groups or consultants or meetings necessary.
Life doesn't need to be complicated, really.
Makes my school days seem tame. About as casually violent as we got was playing a version of rock, scissor, paper. If you lost, the other guy got to smack your forearm or inner elbow with a ruler.