Teens punished for hugging A 14-year-old boy Florida student and his female friend were punished by middle school administrators for hugging, student suspended hugging punishment he received. The school located Palm Beach, Florida has a strict no- hugging policy that doesn't distinguish between an unwanted hug, sexual harassment or hugs between friends. The boy's mother plans to ask the school board to change the rule some have responded to the punishment. students suspended hug chilly reception .Nick Martinez said he gave a quick hug to his best friend, a female student, between classes. The public display of affection was spotted by the principal of Palm Bay's Southwest Middle School, 74 miles southeast of Orlando. While the principal said he believed the hug was innocent, he brought the two students to the school's dean, who penalized them with in-school suspensions. According to the Southwest Middle School's student handbook, students can receive a one-d...