The issue of school uniforms has been an ongoing topic for several
years. In a busy world full of distractions, it is increasingly hard to
keep students and parents focused on what the function of school is
supposed to be. Instead of the focus being on learning it is often on
how other people are dressed, what brand of clothes they are wearing,
how much they dress like their idols, or what gang related colors they
are wearing. A television ad described on theEducation Week website
shows a mother tugging her teenage daughter’s jeans down to her hips
allowing her midriff to show below her shirt and then telling her “Now
that’s the way you do it” (qtd. in Northrop, 1). Even though the desire
to fit in socially is only natural, it is often confusing, stressful,
expensive and counterproductive to a good learning environment. Many
people are concerned about the loss of individuality and freedom with
the use of school uniforms, but uniforms can help control where the
focus is while students are in the classroom by reducing stress, giving
equality in some social areas, reducing distractions and still
maintaining freedom for individuality.
The majority of people that disagree with the use of school
uniforms, in public schools, are the students. WJHG Headline News “A
handgun the size of a large cell phone can easily be concealed, and
since you cannot regulate my bust size, or my thighs, your purpose is
misguided” quoted Michelle Bullard, a senior at Rutherford High School.
(qtd. in Local School Uniforms 4). This was her comment to the Bay
County School Board. Even though this comment is valid, it does not
really give a valid reason not to have school uniforms. The purpose is
not just to keep delinquents from bringing weapons to school, but also
to make people who do not belong on campus easier to spot. The comment,
on hiding guns in clothing and size of bust and thighs, show the
negative influence already inflicted on this student by the present
situation in school. Uniforms come in any size and can accommodate all
chest sizes and thigh sizes. Uniforms of the same color and similar
style would help by not accentuating the difference in sizes of
students. Shirts that do not cover the midriff area or styles that
accentuates large bust would not be a problem if there were school
uniforms. This student obviously does not want her freedom taken away.
However if the students, as a whole, were mature enough to adhere to
the present and sensible dress code there would be no need for the
discussion of uniforms. The lack of adherence to the present, but
ineffective, dress code is exactly the reason the school system is
pushing for uniforms.
Some parents are concerned that the use of school uniforms would
hinder their child sense of individuality or freedom. Parents would
find most parents would not let their child have the freedom to jump
from a high building, stick their hand on a hot stovetop or crawl in
the cage with a lion. These situations are not equal by any means, to
the example of freedom to dress the way they want, but they are
pertinent. It is unfortunate that some parents think that their school
age children are mature enough to make decisions, about appropriate
clothing, when they are not. It is also unfortunate when some parents
do not know what is appropriate to wear to school. Most students base
their wardrobe decisions of popularity and not on individuality.
Children and even some adults find the need to mimic others in how they
dress. Secondary schools are constantly fighting to keep a check on the
raging adolescent hormones by ways of trying to forbid skimpy dress
choices like bare midriffs (Northrop, 2). The students choice on
clothing is often based own drawing attention. Students should focus on
the curriculum while they are at school. They should not be focusing on
what they wear or what their fellow students wear. Students can learn
individuality through their work and creativity in school projects
while at school. They cannot learn individuality on by studying what
their fellow students are wearing. “If something as simple as the
uniform appearance of children in an educational setting could even
possibly improve academic achievement, behavior, and reduce episodes of
violence… then exactly what is issue of the debate? When does common
sense get introduced into the equation” (qtd. in In Support 2)?
We could all live better lives without stress. Parents have the
stress of dealing with home, work, and children. Even though some
children would initially disagree with having to wear school uniforms,
they would eventually adjust to the idea. It would be less stressful
for both parent and child if the decision of what to wear to school was
cut out of the picture. Parents just have to remember how to be parents
and who is supposed to be in charge. Stated on BlueSuitMom.com “August
2000 (Newstream) -- This fall, more public schools will turn to student
uniforms to reduce the teasing and bullying that can lead to the kind
of hostility and tension feared by many parents, educators and kids
today”( Public School Dress Codes 1). Despite the article being a few
years old, it is still current in logic. Crime and hostility seems to
be a growing problem in the arena of schools. Children and parents
could use a break from the stress of violence. “School kids are usually
ridiculed if they aren’t wearing the right brand of peer approved
clothes. In some cases, this rejection can lead to aggressive evil acts
or suicide,” notes family therapist Carleton Kendrick of
Familyeducation.com (qtd. in Public School Dress Codes 2). School
uniforms would defiantly help reduce the social stress of peer pressure
over clothing. This would be a positive point for both the parent and
the child.
Despite the valid concerns about school uniforms in the public
school system, the benefits out weigh the pitfalls. Most parents’ main
concern is for the welfare of their children. They truly do want what
is best for them. Students can be encouraged to be the best that they
can be. Teachers and parents should assure them that they are important
for who they are. They are not important for whom they can imitate.
This will give them a sense of individuality. Take away the stress of
peer pressure, in who has the best clothes and they will grow up with
more confidence. This will give them more of the feeling of equality.
Take away the distraction of students dressing for attention and they
will focus better on their education. This will help the teachers be
able to focus on the individual students personal traits and recognize
where they may need help. TheEducation Commission of the States web
site states, “Positive effects from implementing a school uniform
policy were citied in the U.S. Department of Education Manual of School
Uniforms…” (Uniform and Dress Codes 4). The debate on school uniforms
seems to have valid arguments on both sides. Nevertheless, the proven
facts are in the evidence. The schools that have used uniforms have had
good results. In 1995, a school in Long Beach California mandated
uniforms since that time overall crime has dropped by 91 percent,
suspensions are down 90 percent; sex offenses are down 96 percent, and
vandalism down 69 percent (Chaterjee 2). School uniforms are not the
answer to all problems in school but they are a logical step in the
right direction.