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Boys suspended for using fingers as guns

Posted at 1:37 PM, Jan 16, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-16 13:37:06-05

TALBOT COUNTY, Md. (CBS) - There’s controversy at a Talbot County, Maryland school after two six-year-old boys were suspended for using their fingers to make an imaginary gun while playing cops and robbers during recess.

Child psychologist Dr. Joe Kaine says he does not believe the children were being malicious when they made the gun gesture.

Kaine says most 6-year-olds’ minds aren’t developed enough to understand why their idea of fun play might make adults upset.

A number of parents agree. They say suspending the children seems harsh, and might not do any good for the school or the child.

This is the second time a Maryland child has been suspended for such play.

Earlier this month, six-year-old Rodney Lynch was suspended from his Montgomery County school after pretending to fire an imaginary gun more than once.

The school reversed its decision after Lynch’s parents appealed.