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Writer's pictureIsabella Margalith

Why Bubblegum Should Be Allowed in Our School


Picture this: a classroom full of engaged minds and creativity flowing freely. Now, imagine a simple, unassuming tool that could amplify this atmosphere, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for enhanced focus and productivity. That tool? Gum. Yes, you heard it right. Before you brush off the idea, let's delve into the countless reasons why gum should be allowed in our school. It is important to clarify that this is not an informal request to annoy the teachers; instead, it is a desperate call to show the higher positions of our community the overreaching positive impact of chewing gum and why banning it is not the wisest option. 


The first reason why gums should be allowed is their effect on student focus and overall performance in class. According to the National Institutes of Health, chewing gum can increase memory retention and be especially helpful for those who have trouble concentrating. 


Additionally, chewing gum creates a much more casual environment, which can ease tension and cause the students to feel less anxious and stressed. The repetitive motion of chewing can have a calming effect on individuals, helping to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment. As a result, students may be better able to focus on their studies and engage more actively in classroom activities.


Although gum has its numerous advantages, there is a serious and frequent worry that is often associated with this type of candy and classrooms. That is, leaving chewed gums on tables or overall trash on the floor. Undoubtedly, it is a disgusting act that should never occur or be directly correlated with an EABH student. The fact is, however, there are few people who still have this terrible habit. It is all about action and reaction. Those who act poorly receive their punishment, which any reasonable person would feel ashamed/regretful for, and naturally refrain from repeating improper behavior. In other words, it is fair that the school gives its students a second chance to show their growth and become good citizens who do not throw trash all over the place. It shows that our community acknowledges and respects students' autonomy and ability to make responsible choices. It even sends a message that it trusts them to manage their behavior appropriately and encourages them to take ownership of their actions.


Furthermore, it is natural, especially for teenagers, to take a more rebellious approach when something as simple and beneficial as chewing is banned, as it can create a sense of injustice and push students to “defy the rules.'' The reality is that gum will never truly be banished because students will find a way to consume it anyway, which, as wrong as it may seem, is inevitably what happens. This only creates tension between the teachers against the students, disruption of class time, unnecessary arguments, and energy wasted on enforcing a rule that ultimately doesn't prevent the desired behavior. By allowing gum in our school, EABH would acknowledge the inevitability of its consumption and instead focus on teaching responsible habits and fostering a positive learning environment. The only way students will become more responsible and greater citizens is if they are given a greater share of the responsibility. It is not okay, by any means, to break the rules, but it is equally unproductive to foster an environment where rules are set in stone without consideration for their important benefits for the students' overall learning. 


Ultimately, there is no reason why gum should not be allowed in the school. It has irrefutable benefits, from helping students have an overall more pleasant environment to the school giving a piece of its trust and believing in the potential of students to be responsible with their waste and not stick it to the bottom of desks. EABH students know all about the MYP program and how important the ability to show growth is, so it is only fair that this can be showcased in the near future by allowing students to chew gum.


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