UK Schools Ban Yet Another Playground Game

The games that children play in the playground come and go all the time. They are carefully mapped out by children one day, played for a little and then forgotten about in place of something new. One game however has been around for longer than ever and is passed down from generation to generation. This game is popularly known as ‘tag’. This basically involves one or more people being ‘on’ and chasing others around the playground ‘tagging’ other people. When someone has been ‘tagged’ they become the chaser and the person who tagged them are free to be chased. It’s a very simple game that promotes agility and spatial awareness, as well as improves teamwork and of course fitness levels.  You don’t need any expensive toys, and also it can be played anywhere.

Those in charge of Education in the UK however, belief that the game is potentially unsafe and is often discriminatory. Thus, they do not want to see it taking place in schools. Their argument is that children are getting injured during the game by falling on the hard ground where it is usually played. They also say that the game can often escalate into a more physical tussle when there become agreement over whether someone has been caught or not.  Their second grievance with the game is that people tend to get left out and this promotes segregation.Harold James from the Education Committee says “the unpopular children are often not chosen to take part in the game or are ignored all together….games that are inclusive are preferable”. Mr James went on to comment on the fact the the game can easily exclude people with disabilities as they find it difficult to take part and compete.

Games that the government have already put a stop to include british bulldog, mercy, kiss chase and conkers. It does leave you wondering what children are allowed to do these days  and whether we are wrapping our children in cotton wool just a little too much. We need to take the wheels from the trainer bikes someday don’t we?