In high school, relationships are almost impossible to avoid. Whether it’s sitting next to a couple, walking through the halls, or even hearing your friends, dating is a huge part of teenage life. However, with school and relationships, there tends to be a question that consistently arises: Do relationships impact students negatively or positively?
MHS Media conducted a poll of 148 students, across the student body. According to the polling results, 62.2% of students do believe relationships impact their school performance both negatively and positively.
Marist counselor Curtis Jones said, “I think it can be beneficial, but can also be detrimental.”
Grades
According to students, relationships do not affect grades. Junior Carsyn Smith said “I prioritize my grades over my relationship, although it can be challenging.”
While students attend school and attempt to balance their relationships with responsibilities, 31.8% of students’ said the biggest way a relationship can become harmful is time management, and 27% of students said that they cannot find time for themselves.
“I keep pushing to get good grades, and I have to explain to my boyfriend that my grades come before him, and that we both need to focus on our studies and that we will have time to talk to each other after school,” said Smith.
However, MHS Media also discovered that balancing a relationship during the school year can become overwhelming.
“I do tend to push my homework back and do it later at night which causes me to go to bed later,” said junior Edward Dougherty.
Emotional Health
Marist students argue that relationships are helpful when the significant other is always there for them; on the flip side, relationships can be harmful.
As the year progresses, so does stress, especially with the excitement of sports, plays, and so much more, which can lead to sadness, lack of encouragement, and less motivation to do school work. Many students need that reassurance from their partners.
“If there’s strong communication and commitment on the healthy side of things where they’re helping each other grow,” said Jones.
On the flip side, 51% said the biggest struggle is finding time for themselves which can lead to dropping grades, absences, and more.
“I think [relationships] play a role in some kids’ struggles here… so when it doesn’t feel right for them, it definitely affects them,” said Jones.
Sleep
As many high school students know, sleep is a necessity. Studies show that teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep. When a sleep schedule is threatened, it can then lead to consequences for the next day.
“I used to skip classes because I could not manage getting up due to my relationship arguments,” said junior Brooklyn Reyna.
The poll found that 63.3% of students reported sleep disruptions due to arguments or disagreements.
However, Smith said “My sleep has not been affected by my relationship because we both want to sleep, so we don’t go to bed after being on the phone at a late time.”
Time Management
One pattern seen in most relationships is how students react to different agendas varying from person to person, which can be taken as a benefit or a disadvantage.
“We are always there for each other when we need it,” said Smith.
Many students participate in clubs, sports, and other out of school hobbies.
“For school, I don’t think it really takes away from my time because I turn off all my notifications from text messages, and I don’t talk to him until the day is over,” said Smith.
However, students who struggle with time management may find it harder to start dating or maintain relationships.
“It was always hard for me to balance both a relationship and school… I didn’t understand how to prioritize one thing over the other,” said Reyna.
Distractions
When students see a bird outside the window, or doze off in class, they are distracted for a minimum time; however that isn’t always the case while dating someone.
“Having a relationship in school can be both distracting and helpful. Your partner could encourage you to do better in school but you could also be emotionally stressed from whatever is going on in your relationship,” said freshman Jamiah Taylor.
Jones explained that relationships are a huge part of 14- to 17-year-olds’ lives, however, it can lead to unhealthy situations.
“It can be detrimental… poor communication, belittling, adding stress to somebody’s life is not so healthy, whether it’s degrading someone or whatever the case may be,” said Jones.
In school, 33.3% of students admitted to only texting their significant other less than an hour a school day.
“If you have a good relationship, you can understand that both you and your partner want the best for each other. He has my back, and I have his,” said junior Emily Bulvan.
