Daughter sent to School Office for Tickling

[karens234]

My 8 year old daughter’s 2nd grade teacher had my daughter call me at work from school to tell me that she had “inappropriate behavior”. My daughter was very upset and crying while talking to me.
The behavior was: that my daughter and her friend, a 8 year old boy whom she has been friends with for almost 4 years both in school and out, (they are in karate together as well as family friends) were tickling each other at recess.
I asked my daughter if there was any touching “where bathing suits cover” there was not.
The areas that were being tickled were the neck, ears, sides and knees.
The playground supervisor had told the two to stop tickling each other, but within a short time they were tickling each other again. This is why the children were sent to the office.
I spoke with the teacher (same phone call) and she stated that she did not see what had happened. Confirmed what my daughter had told me. She also stated that she didn’t know how to handle the situation and was going to speak to the Principle.
My daughter is very upset over this and feels that she is a “bad girl”. I am very upset and angry over the words “inappropriate behavior” and the way the situation was handled.
My husband and I have an appointment to meet with the Principle and Teacher to discuss this matter.
Is our school overly paranoid that behaviors like this will lead to other behaviors or is what the world has come too?

[Agiesmom]

Tickling can get out of hand in two ways--someone could want it to stop and it doesn't or someone can be tickled where they should not be tickled or don't want to be tickled.  That's why it's best to keep your hands to yourself.

And I agree with jdtm--they were told to stop and they should have stopped.

I would go to the meeting and explain that the kids have been friends for years outside of school and that you will tell them that they have to keep their hands to themselves at school and that they must listen to the teacher/supervisor at all times.

[jdtm]

If I read your post correctly, your daughter and her friend were sent to the school office for not complying with the direction of the playground supervisor.  I would suspect that the principal would be obligated to "back up" the supervisor.  I think the term "insubordinate" might be used.  And yes, your daughter and her little friend were wrong for not following the directives of the supervisor.   This is a molehill; don't make it a mountain.