Uniforms in School
December 6, 2016
By: Bhani Sethi
For many years there has been a debate whether or not uniforms should be used in schools. For many, the initial reaction is that there should be no uniforms in school but imagine being in a world where students had to wear uniforms. There wouldn’t be a hassle of choosing an outfit in the morning; there would just be an outfit there laying for you. Those less fortunate who can’t afford brand names will not have to deal with discrimination for their clothing. Uniforms will make sure that students are not distracted from learning and their other responsibilities.
“Uniforms provide for less distraction, less drama, and more of a focus on learning” stated Chris Hammons, a Principal at Woodland Middle School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I couldn’t agree more with Principal Hammons that school uniforms make life much simpler in the school system. They help decrease peer pressure on what clothes to buy, which could also decrease bullying which is a big issue in schools today. In a 2013 survey by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and uniform manufacturer Lands’ End, 86% of school leaders said uniforms make, “a significant, positive impact on peer pressure” and 64% said uniforms would reduce bullying.
Uniforms also do not identify socio-economic class; those who can afford trendy clothes and those who can not. Which creates less stress for students and more focus on their education.
Uniforms give the feeling of pride for the students’ school while also creating a sense of professionalism. A 2007 study from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom found that uniforms often, “directly contributed to a feeling of school pride.” It has also been proven that uniforms make students successful in academics or in life; a 2010 University of Houston study found that elementary school girls’ language test scores increased by about 3% after uniforms were introduced.
One may say focusing on uniforms takes away from finding genuine solutions to problems in education. However, It positively affects their learning because non-uniform clothes can be a huge distraction for some students. For some students wearing North Face and UGGS means more friends, better school experience, and less bullying. If you think about the other end of the spectrum, what about those students who cannot afford such luxury brands, so I believe that it is important to address this issue to relieve many students from stresses created by brand name clothes.
In the wake of increased school-based violence and gang activity, many communities have implemented tighter restrictions on student dress code and a growing number have implemented school uniform policies. A 2002 survey of parental attitudes regarding dress codes assessed the perceived impact of uniforms on self-esteem, peer pressure, safety, academics, and finances (Woods and Ogletree). Most parents believed that uniforms provided a measure of protection against gang activity, eliminated some competition and peer pressure among students, and were more economical than other school clothes along with making learning more of the focus of students rather than fashion.
Many people state that with uniforms they won’t be able to express themselves, but students with uniforms will be able to express themselves in the same way as students without uniforms do. A 2012 peer-reviewed study discovered that 54% of eighth-graders said they could still express their individuality while wearing school uniforms. Students with uniforms can wear jewelry, buttons, scarves, socks, and satchels. Uniforms makes getting ready for school easier which increases punctuality and improves attendance. A 2010 study at the University of Houston found that the average absence rate for girls in middle school and high school went down by 7%. Also, a national 2013 survey discovered that over 90% of US school leaders strongly believe that school uniforms make it easier for kids to get ready in the morning, thus creating more time. Uniforms will be a great thing for the school system.
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Owen • Jan 5, 2017 at 1:58 pm
I don;t think we should have uniforms because then everyone would be wearing the same thing and there would be no individuality.
Dani • Jan 5, 2017 at 1:58 pm
I agree that wearing uniforms would make things faster and easier in the morning but they cost money as well, what about students not being able to afford them?
Maddie V • Jan 5, 2017 at 1:57 pm
I agree with uniforms to a certain degree. They do take away the pressure of socio-economic pressure by what clothes you can or can’t afford, and although uniforms take away some freedom of expression, a sense of unity is more important.
Anna • Jan 5, 2017 at 1:50 pm
Great job on the article! I think that there are some really interesting points made here.
Samantha P • Jan 5, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Although I disagree with school uniforms, your points in this article were very strong and convincing. I agree on the fact that it would provide less peer pressure for students who want top brands like others, but I feel that students should also have the right to dress however they want.
Cici C. • Jan 4, 2017 at 2:09 pm
I disagree with uniforms because I see clothes as a way to express yourself and even though I do see the convenience in having uniforms, many people, myself included, enjoy clothes and enjoy the part of their day when they get to choose what they wear.
Marisa • Jan 4, 2017 at 1:59 pm
You did a really good job on this piece!