Hugs back on curriculum

Pupils at an Upper Hutt school are up in arms after being told not to hug one another at school.

Fergusson Intermediate pupils say the school has threatened detentions if they are caught hugging.

But principal Paul Patterson denied there was a ban. The school was just trying to encourage appropriate behaviour.

He said that several weeks ago a group of female students got carried away hugging one another inappropriately. Several were asked to refrain from hugging and kissing.

But pupils assumed a blanket hugging ban had been imposed and had planned a protest "huggathon".

Mr Patterson said the standoff was defused once the school explained it was not outlawing hugs.