We have worked with schools across the United States, andbelieve us, you are not the only person asking this question!The answers that we have heard from our customers are as variedas our customers are. The debate over school uniforms iscomplicated, so we've included highlights from both sides foryou to consider:
Professional:
Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to takeschool seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he orshe is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work.Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" ratherthan "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to theirstudies.
Promotes Good Discipline:
Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline,decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument isthat children today are lacking in self-discipline becauseparents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficulton the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students ata time.
Reduces Fighting and Violence:
Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting andviolence that arrise 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 sensitiveabout their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problemsreport that school uniforms help ease tensions.
Distractions:
Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms looknicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that childrenwill come to school in appropriate clothing, avoidingdistractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overlyrevealing. Some students have turned school into an unendingfashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spendmore time focused on thier clothes than on homework.
Values:
School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expressionare not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashionfad.
Low Cost:
School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far lessexpensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that schooluniforms are economical, especially compared to designerclothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability.They say school uniforms last longer because they are made forrepeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this bystarting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents canget used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them ashand-me-downs between siblings.
School Spirit:
Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. Itinstills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Betrue to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.
Individuality:
Supressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection toschool uniforms. Educators argue that an academic programencouraging students to pursue individual thought is much moreimportant than what they wear. They inhibit creativity andself-expression, forcing students to conform.
Causes Discipline Problems:
Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear schooluniforms only aggravates their rebelious spirit. They altertheir school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, orlengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task ofpolicing the students on a daily basis.
Little or No Relationship to Academics:
Opponents insist that their is no credible evidence that schooluniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academicacheivement. The principal argument is that some great studentsare terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improvelearning.
