[Loving Linux Penguin]

ShimmeringFairie: what some parent wants their kid to do or not to do is not up to the school to enforce, nor is it any of the school's business. If two people are in love, chances are they are gonna kiss. If their parents have a problem with it, fine--their parents can punish/discipline them if they want. The school isn't there to enforce rules that their students' parents may/may not want for their specific kid--the school is there to give their students an education.

Re. age: I was not aware of the school system in Australia. Here in the US, High School is roughly ages 14-18. Although my school does have ages 11-18 or so, most of the younger students are not romantically involved in that sense (I mean, they have "boyfriends" and "girlfriends" but I think they are RARELY in a serious relationship that involves a lot of intimacy), so I don't think it's an issue.

To what everyone else has said: I am not at all advocating for "heavy" PDAs where people are all over each other and "slobbering" so to speak, as that definitely IS going too far. However, I know that in this particular situation the two students in question give one-another very short, simple kisses on the cheek as they part ways and go to their respective classes--I've seen them, and I know them well enough to know that they have the common sense and courtesy to NOT make out in public places. The student handbook says that "Public Displays of Affection" are "Grounds for Disciplinary Action". The problem is that it is completely unclear WHAT a PDA is in school terms. Is it not allowed for me to hug my best friend? Is it not allowed for me to pat my 'buds' on the back? Is it not allowed for me to kiss someone on the cheek? Am I not allowed to hold hands with my bf/gf? What IS and IS NOT allowed? Personally, I think that students should be able to have short kisses that do NOT consist of them being all over each other and whatnot, as well as holding hands, hugging, patting on the back, etc. Students have friends and relationships--and as long as they (we I suppose I should say) are not disruptive in class with it, or making a HUGE public spectacle of themselves, I see absolutely no reason why it should not be allowed.

As I have already said, I would be quite content to ignore this rule if I had a bf/gf, as it is completely unclear, and I feel like i should be able to express love on my own time...it is human nature afterall.