Every school has specific rules that everyone follows, even if they are not written out. Whether it is walking on the right side of the sidewalk or not standing in the middle of the hallway, students often abide by these unspoken rules to properly navigate around the school.
“[I think] the most important unspoken rule is walking up or down the correct side [of the stairs] so people don’t accidentally fall,” freshman Ethan Adank said.
For new students, there is usually an adjustment period due to other schools having different rules. Most learn by watching others and matching their actions to fit in. In most cases, this transition feels natural because they had similar rules at previous schools.
“I had different unspoken rules at my old school, so when I came [to Florida High], it felt a little weird, but it didn’t take long for me to adjust,” freshman Isaella Prato said.
When people break these rules, it can cause awkwardness or discomfort, despite these rules not being universal or explicit. In most situations, people will not say anything, but most definitely notice. This can lead to judgment and could affect the treatment of students who stray outside the social norm.
“One of the most awkward things is when I am trying to go up the stairs, and people are running down [the same side]. I have to kind of push them out of the way as I go up,” freshman Brittany Dent said.
Some students believe there should be some additional rules to have a safer, more respectful environment at school.
“I get so stressed and impatient when people block the walkways. A rule I would add would be clearing the way when talking to friends,” Prato said.
Every school has its own set of unspoken rules that help keep the school organized.
“It’s important to make students feel as comfortable as possible,” Dent said.
