Having said that I was working with a young man 12 years old who is also very much like your son and he saw his friend get hurt and start crying and did what he had been doing naturally he hugged him. The trauma that poor boy went through because of the nasty innuendos, taunting not to mention the loss of the friendship was horrendous.

Some boys learn naturally what is considered "socially" acceptable and others do not and in this sad and pathetic world we live in the harsh reality is that your son is very likely to become a victim of bullying both overt and covert and it could crush his spirit.

As much as I would like to say let your boy be I also know the flipside and he needs protective behaviours as well and this includes not hugging the girls, sadly this can even be labled sexual harrassment in children as young as yours. Our society in general lives by a very strict moral code, especially in school and playgounds and until our society matures and accepts all people as they are we need to provide our children with survival tools and unfortunately one is keep your hands (and hugs) to yourself and your family.

I feel awful for what that father did to your son, to imply something so nasty to someone so young is appaling and yet so indicitave of whats going on out there. Dont stress about boys being boys, they have that sorted themselves however I do think you should consider making your son bully proof and there are many great books around to assist with those skills.

As for you question as the others have said once he understands that all people (boys and girls) have person space bubbles then all should be well. Also try the 2 different types of hugs. sounded good,.