No, I wasn't really abused. But according to this teen textbook I was -- because I did a particular sport:
A chapter of the book, distributed by Co-ordination Group Publications, says children have the right to protection from physical and emotional abuse.It lists bullying and cross-country runs as possible examples.
A spokesman for the publication says "the guide was 'light-hearted' and intended to make citizenship subjects 'accessible' to teenagers":
"It is used as an aid for starting discussions. It seems the part about cross-country has been taken as a serious suggestion, but it is simply a way of getting students involved."A Department for Education and Skills spokesman added: "It is not official guidance. We encourage all children to do at least two hours of high-quality PE a week."
Hmm, curious. If it was a "light-hearted" and "non-serious," then why is the specific part about cross country running listed under the chapter titled "Your Legal Rights"?
Margaret Talbot, chief executive of the Association for Physical Education says, "I think what is in the book is just sloppy. They haven't researched it properly. It gives ammunition to backroom lawyers."
You got that right, Maggie.