by: Annabelle Pan
Graphics Editor
Of the five love languages, physical touch is the most publicly visible. Although there is no harm in affection when done in private, couples should not perform public displays of affection (PDA) at school because it creates a distracting learning environment and prompts discomfort in peers.
Students should engage in healthy relationships, but frequently showing physical affection, such as hugging and kissing, creates an unfocused learning space for the couple and for other students. LGHS students, while studying in a science classroom for tutorial, reported seeing a couple cuddling under a lab station. Students nearby could not focus on their work, and neither could the pair under the table. Excessive PDA shifts attention away from learning and disrupts class lectures, student conversations, and valuable work time. Couples should be mindful of how they act because their physical contact impedes the learning that they and other students deserve in academic environments. PDA also disrespects the shared places on campus like classrooms, hallways, and restrooms. These places are for all students, not just couples who want to hug. Furthermore, physical affection between couples can make these public spaces unavailable to other students, such as when couples occupy desks to cuddle, claim practice rooms without playing music, or sit in the restroom stalls when others need to use them.
PDA also creates feelings of discomfort in other students, whether because of the lack of etiquette or third-wheel awkwardness. Middle and elementary schools often implement dress codes, phone restrictions, and language restrictions. Likewise, students should refrain from extreme PDA since school environments emphasize appropriate behaviors and respectful actions. Some LGHS students noted seeing couples kiss in the quad or in hallways during tutorial. Not only are these couples not utilizing the time dedicated to talking to teachers, attending clubs, doing homework, or strengthening friendships, but they also evoke uneasiness and discomfort in passerbys. Frequent physical contact also raises concerns about consent and mutual comfort, since public affection reinforces pressure to agree, even when uncomfortable. PDA encourages surface-level relationships that rely on performing to appear satisfied or successful with a partner, undermining genuine connection with your partner and friends.
Some teenagers argue that PDA is necessary to display fondness or endearment in romantic relationships. Many believe that some gestures, like hugging and kissing, are harmless and personal, but performing those gestures in public disregards the consent of witnesses. Such displays should be limited at school. Couples should be more conscious of others to create a healthy learning environment for everyone.