There are some issues that stir great debate, but there are other issues that most are in agreement on. The issue of allowing chewing gum in schools is one that seems to have both sides split. It might not seem like something that is incredibly important, but there are people on either side that are pushing for change. There are currently regulations regarding tolerance of gum in schools. Not all schools throughout the country have the same policies, but there are those that are looking to make it within regulations for anyone to chew gum in school. However, before you decide if you are in agreement with this line of thinking, it is important for you to be aware of what the pros and cons of chewing gum in school really are.
Pros of Chewing Gum
Assists the Brain
Those that are pushing for gum to be allowed within schools agree that the biggest pro involves the impact that gum chewing has on cognitive function. This is due to the fact that chewing gums help with many cognitive tasks and makes it easier to remember facts that you are learning and also expand on the amount that you are able to retain. Those that are for chewing gum in schools feel that having a positive impact on cognitive function is something that should be allowed and not restricted in any way.
Contentment
It should also be noted that many students that have less restrictions in school tend to learn more freely. Not being able to chew gum in the classroom is just another restrictions that can keep students from reaching their full potential. This means that allowing students to chew gum freely, could have the ability to make students feel less restricted in the school setting.
Cons of Chewing Gum
Distraction
Even though there are some pros attached to chewing gum in school, there are also some downsides that need to be addressed. The biggest con associated with chewing gum in school is the disturbance that it could cause. There is a lot of noise that can be caused by gum being taken out of the package, shared and then chewed. This noise can lead to distractions that make learning more difficult. By not allowing gum to be chewed in the classroom, you have the ability to get rid of these distractions from the classroom completely.
