In eastern Iowa, any elementary or middle school students who want to attend Linn-Mar High School basketball games will now need at least one parent to go with them. School leaders say the top concerns are safety and security. Some kids aren’t wild about the idea but most adults understand the need for the change.
Parent Terry Brandt says “Middle schoolers without any supervision? It’s not a hard equation to figure out.” Other parents are less supportive of the new policy, parents like Julie Daugherty. Daughterty says “It’s social hour too. They like to be with their friends and stuff, but I don’t want to have to babysit them either.”
Even students admit things can get out of hand on game nights.Sixth-grader Lucas Klein says “Kids can just run around without any control,” while eighth-grader Beau Smith says “It gets kinda’ crazy sometimes. People start pushing and it can get kind of dangerous.” Students who are upset with the new policy are circulating a petition.
The rule takes effect at this Friday’s game. Parents don’t have to sit with their kids at the game, but the school strongly encourages them to do that.