Bill Hemmer, host: It’s a part of childhood in playgrounds all across the country, but now there is a push in some schools to ban the game of “Tag.” From Seattle, Dan Springer’s in right now. Dan, good morning.

Dan Springer, reporter: Yeah, Bill, how did we ever survive to adulthood? First it was dodgeball, and now an increasing number of schools in America are banning the playing of “Tag” on their playgrounds. The latest is Adams Elementary in Spokane, Washington. The principal claims the students were getting hurt and also were being coerced to play. Fearing lawsuits and hurt feelings, she put an end to “Tag.”

Principal (Mary Weber, not identified by Fox): There’s a bullying issue if students don’t want to participate in something, and they’re kinda being forced to by someone running up to ’em and shoving them and saying “You’re It!” Um, we want all students not only to be safe but to feel safe.

Springer: The ban upset many of the students, and one decided to do something about it by circulating a petition. In just a couple of hours, third grader Kubby Boyd had 46 signatures. But when he gave them to the principal with a suggestion that anyone who is too rough be disciplined, well, the principal refused to budge.

Kubby Boyd, third grade student: I felt pretty bored when I came outside because we usually have nothing to do, and that’s all we play, “Tag.”

Springer: Some schools in California, New Jersey and Wisconsin have already banned “Tag,” agreeing with the National Association of School Psychologists, which believes quote “There’s a potential for some victimization” endquote. But others say not letting boys be boys is hurting them and society.

Christina Hoff Sommers: Our children are healthy. They’re not fragile and in need of all of this zealous protectiveness, and we actually harm them when we deny them the healthy challenges of childhood.

Springer: Now while there is no more unsupervised “Tag” in the Spokane school, they do allow it in gym class, albeit with a Nerf ball. And in case you’re wondering, football is allowed on the playground; however, there’s a catch, Bill: you can’t run. You can throw the ball, but no running with the football.

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