Has it ever occurred to anyone that there are some people who do not want to be friends with large groups? Being an introvert or not wanting to have a huge group of acquaintances is not a bad thing. Neither is being outgoing and overly social. Quit treating the people who don't want to be parts of big groups as freaks. Some of us feel the life getting sucked out of us if more than 10 people are in a room. I have good friends, I get along with everyone, but under the pain of being expelled, I would have told a teacher or school administrator to go to hell before giving up my best friend.
All of the rules change the minute high school ends anyway. All of those "acquaintances" that they want these kids to have? They'll be gone from their lives 2 months after graduation. I'm still in touch with my best friends from high school and most of the time, they're closer than my actual family.
British Schools Ban Best Friends: Are Best Friends Healthy?
SodaHead News
2012/04/27 13:00:00
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A handful of primary (elementary) schools in south London are reportedly discouraging kids from having best friends and attempting to get them to interact in larger groups. Though The Sun, a major British tabloid, is calling the policy a "ban," it's unclear to what extent schools are taking it. Educational psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni says the schools are enforcing the policy to "save the child the pain of splitting up from their best friend."
Obviously, the policy has been met with severe criticism. Campaign for Real Education spokesman Chris McGovern explained, "Children take things very seriously and if you tell them they can’t have a best friend it can be seriously damaging to them. They need to learn about relationships." A member of the National Association of Head Teachers added, "I don’t think it is widespread but it is clearly happening. It seems bizarre." Do you think having a best friend is a healthy part of growing up?
Obviously, the policy has been met with severe criticism. Campaign for Real Education spokesman Chris McGovern explained, "Children take things very seriously and if you tell them they can’t have a best friend it can be seriously damaging to them. They need to learn about relationships." A member of the National Association of Head Teachers added, "I don’t think it is widespread but it is clearly happening. It seems bizarre." Do you think having a best friend is a healthy part of growing up?
This "policy" smacks of social engineering and the persons responsible should be fired from the school board (or whatever England's equivalent is).
I was your typical shy girl who didn't make many friends and was walked all over due to my timidness and my own interests rejected and/or mocked, which caused me to hide who I truly was.
My best friend I did not meet until high school. Until then there were those who would smile and show a bit of kindness, but still wanted nothing to do with me at the end of the day. Post meeting my best friend, I was the happiest I'd ever been.
I'd found my freedom.
Oh and by the way, researchers... my best friend and I are closer than ever, and we've known each other for eight years. So, yeah, eat that.
They're not just healthy. For some of us, they're necessary. Had I not found mine, I'd be that same timid, scared, miserable girl with no friends, and the bold, strong girl I really am deep down screaming to be rediscovered and freed.
Regardless, needless to say I'm glad I don't fall into either wing.
I hope this is a joke. oO
If it's not a joke, it's an incredibly tragic example of administrative stupidity,
and another reason why public education should be optional, not compulsory.