Collin+H

As a sixth grader, I feel we should be able to chew gum in school. I think we are old enough to be responsible for our own actions. If we want to chew gum, we should be allowed to chew. Sugar-free gum is good for your teeth. Mint gum is helpful for concentration during classes and tests. Gum can also help increase test scores. Chewing gum during the school day would be helpful to students and teachers. Students would benefit from chewing gum by it helping to relieve stress and it helping with their concentration. Instead of tapping a pencil or fidgeting with something else, kids can chew gum. Some studies have indicated that mint gum may help students focus on tests and class work. Teachers would benefit by students being more focused and attentive in class.
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Chewing gum after lunch would have benefits to students as well. The American Dental Association states chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. Kids would also have fresher breath. Some students get hungry late in the day and a piece of gum would help hold them over until they get home for a snack. As a middle schooler, I know how hungry I can get in the afternoon!

Chewing gum can help increase test scores. A new study done by Baylor College of Medicine took 108 eighth grade math students and divided them into two groups. They followed them for 14 weeks. The group who chewed gum while taking tests and doing homework has a 3% increase in their standardized math test scores compared to the group who did not chew gum. Who wouldn’t want to do better in math?

There are several good reasons that students should be allowed to chew gum during the school day. Students and teachers would both gain from being more focused. Students’ teeth would benefit from chewing sugar free gum after lunch. We would all benefit from fresher breath. Higher test scores would make everyone happy. Chewing gum in school would be good for everyone!