There are both pros and cons when it comes to allowing students to eat in classrooms. Despite the cons, food and eating in classrooms should be allowed. But why?
Students at many different schools across the nation eat in classrooms, even though several teachers get annoyed by this. But students should be allowed to eat where they want and when they want. Some students may not have enough time in the morning for breakfast or some students might not want to eat during lunch but rather an hour before or after depending on when their lunch period is. We aren’t able to choose our lunch time, regardless of what our stomachs are suggesting. The reality of the matter is that students should eat when they’re hungry. This is best for their health in addition to their education.
Students tend to focus more on their studies and pay attention when their stomach is full. An empty stomach makes you lose track of what you’re doing and think about food and when you’re going to eat. This causes the student to not stay focused during school when the teacher is teaching. Another pro to students being able to eat in class is that it will boost their energy levels, causing them to be more productive and active in class. When you eat, you retain more information, which is amazing for taking notes and studying for tests.
On the other hand, eating in class can be viewed as disrespectful, especially while the teacher is teaching. Plus, it can raise questions about cleanliness. Crumbs on the floor can cause mice and bugs to infiltrate classrooms. These cons are the classic ones most teachers will cite so you don’t eat food during class even though it’s extremely beneficial.
In conclusion, in my opinion, you should be able to eat in classrooms. Not only have I had more success academically and socially when we used to be able to eat during class but the benefits simply outweigh the negatives. Sure, no one wants mice or bugs in your room, but I feel that as long as students ask permission before pulling out their food and as long as they clean up after themselves after eating, teachers shouldn’t tell them no.
