New Physical Restraint Rules to Begin in Public Schools

BOSTON (AP) — New rules on the use of physical restraint in public schools will soon take effect in Massachusetts.

The Boston Globe reports that regulations approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will include limits on how unruly children can be held down. The use of medication or devices to help control a child, previously allowed with permission from a parent or doctor, will not be permitted under the new rules that begin January 1st.

Advocates for students with behavioral or emotional difficulties are applauding the first changes in the state’s physical restraint policy since 2001.

The new rules also require continuous monitoring by school staff of students who are given a “time out” to help them calm down, and principals must approve time out of longer than 30 minutes.