Throughout my two years of high school, I have noticed the hallways are more like highways; fast-paced with smattering of interesting scenery on occasion. However, lately, there’s been a few distractions and I’m not talking a fender bender.  Nope, I’m talking PDA.

     Watching teens in the halls intimately touching in inappropriate places, holding hands, cuddling, and making out, makes me and most likely all other students super uncomfortable. 

     In the rules and guidelines section of the HCPS planner, it states that “PDA, beyond the holding of hands, is NOT appropriate for the school environment.”  The planner, that all students are obliged to sign, also says that consequences can be referred to the office for “disciplinary action” which can even include suspension from school.  

     While I know there are lots of adults in our building who DO address this issues, I have seen many adults  walk by while students are participating in PDA. While it might be uncomfortable for you to intervene, please, please do.  As students we appreciate the fact that you do care enough to speak up about it and to help us feel less uncomfortable as we navigate the hallways to and from classes. 

 Some kids are desperate to show affection to their boyfriend or girlfriend but they forget about the people around them who are madly grossed out by this behavior.

These students would not ever behave this way if someone was to video them kissing like woodpeckers to a tree
They would be embarrassed if they witnessed two staff members groping each other like anacondas and their prey just before 4th lunch. They would be humiliated if their parent or guardian knew about them playing tonsil hockey during the seven minute class change.

   As students we have limited ability to speak up about this kind of thing;  but adults do have the resources and ability and authority to help create a stable environment for everyone, one free of  groping and kissy-faces.

    And we know change is possible.  The current bathroom vandalism situation at NH seems to be more under control and the attention of teachers has helped to curb negative student activity, whether it be vaping, drawing on walls, damaging equipment, or skipping class.  If the staff can contain this serious behavior, then why can’t the same be done about PDA?