Constant touching

I just transitioned from high school to middle school. I am in shock at the amount of touching that goes on. No boundaries, no personal space, no listening.

None of the teachers I work with seem to think it’s a problem (probably bc they are used to it). And admin isn’t much help.

I understand child development. I understand that some of this is behavioral. But this amount? Nothing from teaching HS 15 years has prepared me for this. There was an occasional slap on the back or butt grab or something. But nothing like this.

I truly feel like this amount is fucking insane and am kind of bewildered that everyone accepts this as normal.

I’ve called it out. I’ve made jokes about how they just want to date each other since they can’t stop touching each other. I’ve tried talking and ‘reasoning’ with them, to cut it out. I’ve given fidget toys. I’ve gotten wiggle bands around their desks. I don’t even mind if someone needs to get up and move or stretch but they eventually migrate to someone and proceed to touch their hair or poke them or tap or kick. It’s just nonstop.

Last resort, the worst offenders I wrote up. Office sends back form saying they ‘talked’ to the kids, which just tells me this is completely normal here.

I feel crazy. I just don’t think in this stage of development they are that absolutely unable to control themselves THIS much.

Someone help. Middle school teachers, you’re probably laughing at me. Am I just delusional or is this truly that normal? I just can’t believe this is truly what MS is like for most people.