Switched-On Magazine

Young love has its high points, like the first kiss, but it also has its pitfalls, like the first break-up, however, there is a much-debated issue affecting everyone. Public displays of affection are synonymous with teenagers already, and one of the most controversial topics within civilized society. The argument for perpetrators of PDA is freedom to show affection and that it isn't anyone else's business. Everyone forced to witness PDA just tells them to get a room shielding them from the graphic imagery. It may not be as serious an issue as poverty or violence, but it continues to stir arguments throughout the nation nevertheless.

If anyone were to see their parents involved in an inappropriately graphic make-out session that would emotionally cripple them. If the sight of a parent make-out session sends a chill through your very soul, imagine how others feel when teenagers do it. Teenage PDA happens everywhere, whether it is a park, school, or the middle of the street. PDA may seem harmless to those committing it, but those witnessing it could definitely do with out it. Unbelievably, what may seem as a cute kissing session is just sloppy kissing to everyone else. Surroundings are important when showing affection especially when you invite strangers to be the unwilling audience. Teenagers are already chastised for being over-hormonal and naïve, and PDA just adds to the already bruised reputation of American teenagers.

When it comes to adult PDA, most adults find appropriate settings typically with dim lighting, and if they were to do it outside very few people would actually stop to yell at full-grown adults. Public opinion differs, however, when it comes to teenagers, who don't have the same options as adults. Typically, the only places teenagers frequent are their home and school. Yet schools have always cracked down on PDA within school grounds, and the open-door policy in homes can violate their privacy. Teenage PDA is often times met with hostility from those around them, but when the places they spent most of their time rejects such behavior teens are forced to bring it to the streets. Regardless of how courteous some teens may be, to some a public place may be the only place they can show affection due to restrictions put on them everywhere else.

Teenage PDA, in a way, was created by society itself by making it punishable at home and school resulting in teens making-out in public. Yes, it may seem like a miniscule issue in the grand scheme of things, but to teens, that relationship may mean the world to them. PDA is frowned upon in places where teens spend most of their adolescent lives as well as in every other public place leaving them with little privacy and means to rebel. Of course, not every teenager is innocent; some may just feel like making out next to a random building.