As I sit down in my favorite classes at Venice High, I am surrounded by a bunch of different students across the class glued to their screens, I am reminded of the importance of student etiquette.

In the Gen Z era where technology dominates and plays a huge role in our everyday lives, it is very easy for students including myself to forget the simple yet very essential rules of behavior that make the classroom a productive learning environment.   

Good student etiquette is about being polite, picking up trash, arriving on time to classes, not walking slow in the halls and much more. Engaging in lessons is also very important to help you and your peers understand the lesson. 

Unfortunately as I sit in a classroom as a student myself, seeing the decline of student etiquette is a growing concern.

With the rise of social media, many students have become accustomed to communicating within screens often avoiding face to face interactions. 

For me, good etiquette starts with respect. Respect for the staff, to myself,  my peers, and the campus. Kindness is an essential part of good etiquette as well. Showing kindness and empathy towards others is key. 

We’re all in this together and a little bit of kindness can go a long way. As students we have a lot on our plates, but prioritizing etiquette we can create a more supportive, inclusive and productive learning environment here at Venice.