Those who haven’t attended a high school dance for years might be surprised by the kind of close contact that can now seen on the dance floor. The gratifying friction that has been labeled “grinding” is popular among many students, and they aren’t shy about saying so.

As difficult as it is to resist the inclinations of the young, the rules for youthful behavior are still set by the schools and the community. At Biddeford High School, Principal Britton Wolfe has made an admirable effort last week to open a discussion on what kind of contact is appropriate at a school dance.

Reasonable students should consider the good reasons not to allow stylized displays of sexuality. One line of argument that might be persuasive to students is to ask them to imagine their parents in the same postures. Each generation is entitled to pursue its own styles and rituals, but cannot repeal the existing standards.

Is there a less explicit variation that might be acceptable to many? The BHS discussion seemed to raise that possibility.

There are some practical reasons for setting a clear standard against explicit behavior at a high school dance. Acceptance of grinding could put pressure on students, particularly girls, to accept more intimacy than they are comfortable with. It raises the possibility of sexual abuse, creating legal jeopardy for the school and chaperones.

Finally, taking an explicit approach to sex at a school dance seems likely to encourage it afterwards. With the stakes so high, we don’t believe schools have any alternative to setting a strict standard.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.