13Nice Pros and Cons of School Uniforms
We have worked with
schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person
asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as
varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so
we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:
Professional:
Some say that a child in a
school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school
uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to
work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes"
rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their
studies.
Promotes
Good Discipline:
Many think that schools
uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline
problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline
because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the
teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.
Reduces
Fighting and Violence:
Schools report that school
uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise out of arguments over fashionable
clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those
who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing.
Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease
tensions.
Distractions:
Many parents believe that
students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy
ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding
distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some
students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This distracts from
learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on
homework.
Values:
School uniforms stress
that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing
or the latest fashion fad.
Low Cost:
School uniforms are a
bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools
argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer
clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms
last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools
capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets.
Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as
hand-me-downs between siblings.
School Spirit:
Some feel wearing a school
uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the
Beach Boys said, "Be true to your school." Schools report an increase
in school pride.
Individuality:
Suppressing individuality
is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that
an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much
more important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and
self-expression, forcing students to conform.
Causes Discipline
Problems:
Some students reject any
rules. Forcing them to wear school uniforms only aggravates their rebellious
spirit. They alter their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or
lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of policing the
students on a daily basis.
Little or No Relationship
to Academics:
Opponents insist that
there is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or
promote higher academic achievement. The principal argument is that some great
students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.
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