PDA In Schools

Public Displays of Affection (PDA), can be seen around the school. They seem  to be everywhere both where students and staff members can witness PDA. While eating lunch, while trying to open lockers, and even when strolling down the hall.

Policies at high schools regarding PDA differ for each school.

Social studies teacher Shanna Hechimovich, says, “Oh yeah, I say something if I see PDA. If I see a student acting inappropriately in the hallway, I tell them to stop. Politely, of course. It’s not appropriate for school.”

PDA can happen in the classroom and the hallway. However, at Arrowhead, cases tend to happen more in the hallway, according to Ms. Hechimovich.

Social studies teacher Frank Taylor, says, “I’ve never had an issue with PDA in my classroom, so I’ve never put thought into my policies. Although, if it became a distraction, it would be cut off.”

PDA can be demonstrated through kissing, hugging, groping, holding hands, and other forms of touch. However, PDA isn’t always found in every couple.

Taylor says, “PDA has not differed much from when I was in high school. You have people who only hold hands, and then you have people who don’t care they are in a public facility, and will suck faces anyways.”

Assistant Principal, Mr. Nedjedlo, says, “Arrowhead’s PDA policy is currently up to the teacher’s judgement. If a teacher feels as though the situation needs to be controlled, they have the ability to end it. In contrast, if the teacher feels more lenient on the policy, the students will be ignored.”

Hechimovich says, “I think we have a problem, but our policies are enforced. A school can do always do better, as long as it’s still happening in small amounts, we can always improve. I firmly believe in enforcing our PDA policies.”

Taylor says, “My exposure to PDA is pretty limited meaning I don’t feel it should be made out to be a big deal. However, if I see it more often, it will be addressed. I feel other policies, such as dress codes, are broken more often.”