A HEADTEACHER has defended his decision to curb hugging at Callington Community College after he said it was getting out of hand. Steve Kenning was concerned that huggers were invading the personal space of other pupils and wanted to nip it in the bud to avoid inappropriate behaviour, he said. But some parents and local councillors have accused Mr Kenning of over-reacting, after he issued the warning on the college's website. In his message, which has since been removed, he said hugging had become very acceptable amongst students and this had led to some pupils believing it was OK to go up to anyone and hug them, sometimes inappropriately. 'This is very serious, not only for the victim, but also for anyone accused of acting inappropriately. To avoid putting anyone at risk, please avoid hugging,' he said. But local councillor Chris Thomas said: 'When we start taking human contact out of life it is a sad day for civilisation. What will they do next — stop people from smiling at each other?' Since putting out the initial message, Mr Kenning has stated he has not banned hugging, he has just told students not to do it as often. 'Students will not get into trouble if they hug but we do ask them to understand the reasons for this request and to act maturely in respecting each other's private space,' he said.