What have we come to ...
Welcome to America.
I volunteer with kids and there’s a few that will give me a hug. It always makes me a bit uneasy - but I know what they are going through and give them a hug back. (One of those “sideways buddy-type” hugs.) Plus there’s always another adult around so I think its fairly safe to be able to respond with a quick yet supportive and comforting hug. And if not - well tough!