Parents of 4-year-old put into "body sock" as punishment consider suing
A family in Pinellas County, Florida, whose son was put into a large "body sock" by teachers as punishment, is considering suing the school board after an investigation found the sack was used appropriately on the boy. Patrick Holt complained that the device was used on his 4-year-old son without his permission. "I don't like it at all," he says. "I don't think it should be used on anybody." The manufacturers say the "body sock" is designed to help children explore three-dimensional space. An occupational therapist says it is primarily meant for autistic children. However, Mr. Holt’s son is not disabled. The Pinellas County School Board has investigated the incident and released its findings. "Teachers behaved in an appropriate manner in responding to a situation where a student needed to be calmed down for the safety and security of all the students in the classroom," says board member Andrea Zahn. The board said teachers admitted that parents were not aware of the "body sock" and its use. Ms. Zahn says this information will be included in the parent orientation next year. The Holt family strongly disagrees with the board’s findings and has hired an attorney.
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