Students at a northern Virginia elementary school are getting a timeout from tag.

The principal of Kent Gardens Elementary School in McLean has told students they can no longer play the playground pastime during recess after determining that the game has gotten out of hand.

Principal Robyn Hooker says her goal is to keep students safe and that she hopes to restore tag, as well as touch football, which also is on hold, after teachers and administrators review recess policies.

The issue has divided parents. Some say the ban on tag is an example of overaggressive rulemaking that undermines children's development; others say it's best to err on the side of caution.