In many schools gum is an issue and sometimes have policies against gum. Unis middle school is a no-gum school. A huge amount of students believe that gum chewing shouldn’t be against school rules. According to Sciencedaily.com, “Chewing gum can help you stay focused for longer on tasks that require continuous monitoring.”  But on the other hand, students stick gum under desks, causing a huge mess. So, should gum really be allowed in school?

Hussein Zaarour, an 8th grader at Unis Middle School, felt that gum should be allowed in school. Hussein says,”I felt annoyed, because teachers don’t allow gum because of kids sticking gum under the table even though I don’t. Gum should be allowed because most students know not to stick gum under the tables.”

Gum is a huge topic among students in Unis Middle School. Throughout the entire school, students are chewing gum or are craving it. Students walk around in the hallways asking others for gum, but they make sure they aren’t caught chewing it in class because its consequences.

Abbass Karnib, Another student at Unis Middle school said,“ I feel fine that gum isn’t allowed in school because kids don’t respect the school and stick gum under desks and on the carpet. I believe gum shouldn’t be allowed in school because students put gum on the floors, carpet, and under the desks, and the janitors have to clean it up.”

I talked to a teacher at Unis Middle School, and she had different feelings about gum. She said, ”I don’t mind gum, as long as the students don’t make a mess.I  also believe it helps them focus.” But there’s more to it. “Though, if the students are distracting others; popping gum, throwing wrappers on the floor, etc. Then it’s a problem. I understand the school having the no-gum policy, but if students are not able to be responsible and make a mess, the policy should stand.”

In addition to this, according to chewinggumfacts.com, chewing gum helps improve memory and reduces stress symptoms, which are all found useful in school.

To some people gum is not an issue at school, others believe it is.  But whether they like it or not, gum is not allowed in Unis Middle School.

Jaafar Beydoun

Unis Middle School Journalism