PDA, formally known as “Public Display of Affection” is a controversial topic. No matter if it is a nonchalant touch of the hands or an intimate kiss, this public display leaves a distasteful atmosphere to some. Even those who may support PDA should understand why it is not acceptable in school.
The school environment is a very special place for education and socialization. Although some students find hand-holding and inappropriate closeness enjoyable at all times of the day, I believe that school is not the time nor place to feel the butterflies of each other’s touch. School is a place where there should be no distractions when it comes to learning. PDA within school not only causes a distraction for those who are trying to learn but also a distraction for the couple who are too involved with each other to pay attention to the material being taught. When couples between passing periods touch each other in any way, it makes many uncomfortable. When I walk into school, I never think about touching any other student in any way.
Some schools have implemented rules and regulations around students touching other students on school grounds. ThoughtCo, a website for educators previously wrote “Setting a clear policy is the only way to minimize or stop public displays of affection.” I believe that these rules should be implemented in our school to create a more comfortable learning space. Mr. Luther has confirmed that there is no rule in the student handbook referring to any restrictions on PDA in The Morgan School. This rule should be clearly stated in our school’s student handbook. I support a policy that prohibits kissing, having one student’s arm around another student’s waist or any other body part, and rubbing up against another student in any way.
The acknowledgment of being in a relationship is very different from making yourself known through physical contact. Many couples at our school are “known” to be together because they are physically all over each other during school hours. Being physically close is no problem when it is happening outside of the learning environment. School should be a completely platonic place. One experience had is while I was walking into school to start my day. I immediately got the view of couples snuggling on the communal couches. This act is excessive and honestly gross. PDA in school is a great epidemic affecting The Morgan School. I believe that PDA is a greater problem this year than ever before. Because more and more students believe PDA are acceptable, I witness an increase in inappropriate touching every day. With PDA becoming more normalized, more students get distracted by inappropriate acts. This Morgan problem cannot be solved until PDA is recognized as a distraction instead of a cute gesture.
