General Information
The Case for School Uniforms
Those that believe school uniforms are beneficial generally make the following arguments:
Promotes good discipline
Many feel that school uniforms help a school in maintaing discipline. Many school systems report uniforms help to reduce discipline problems. Some schools report dramatic declines, although opponets question some of these reports. Children today are lacking in self discipline. Many parents simply refuse to discipline their children. This makes it much more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with a class of 20-30 children througout the day.
Reduces fighting and violence
School uniforms reduce violemce by eliminating fights and disruptions over fashionable clothes. Children invairably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Poor children are often very sensitive about their clothes. American iner-city schools facing serious gang violence believe that uniforms help to ease the problem.
Business like
Some say that a child in a uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the uniform signals that he is going to school just as dad dresses up for work. When students were dressed in "learning clothes" rather than "play clothes" some schools report that students took a more serious, scholarly attitude towards their studies.
Appearance
Many parents and even some children generally believe that student wearing uniforms looked nicer and that a uniform policy ensured that children woukld come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered outlandish or overly revealing. A HBC reader in the U.S. writes, "I read a book showing how children dress for school in the U.K. and showed it to my mom. She said those boys look neat clean and disiplined. I also think the same the saying goes, 'If you look nice you are going to act nice like a gentelman'. Kids today cannot accept those kind of displinary clothes they whant to were those ugly baggy things and they are ugly looking clothes! My mother said its a fad and they will grow out of it, but I myself don't think its going to happen. I know our school distric puts millions of dollars for soccer fields and other sports. I spoke with a school board member about getting school uniforms for the kids the answer was, 'We dont have the money.' I showed him a photo of the way the kids dress in Papatoe High School in new zeland he said its probaly a fake photo. Can you belive that!"
No morning confusion. Many parents in schools with uniform policies indicated that they no longer had the morning debate over "what to wear." Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This is embarassing to the children who can "keep up" and it detracts from the focus on academics. There is no doubt that some children spend more time selecting their wardrobe then doing their home work.
Values
School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.
Safety
The school uniform readily identified students as a member of that school and increased student safety on and off campus. Uniforms readily identify who belong on campus and who does not. Unfortunately this isa matter of increasing conern in our modern age.
Reduces distractions
Proponents say that uniforms allow students to concentrate on their studies instead of the latest fashion trends. The ideaa is to promote a better atmosphere for learning and help children concentrate on the academic program. Peer pressure appeared to take a back seat to learning.
Equity
School uniforms help to eliminates social distinctions. Children from low-income families need not be embarassed by notbbeing able to afford the latest fashions or designer clothes. Many chools report thatb school uniforms do help to reuce socio-economic differences.
Low cost
Uniforms are a good bargin. They are cheap and getting cheaper. They are getting less expensive than any other clothes. Proponents say that uniforms are economical. Compared to buying designer clothes this is undoubtedly true. Some children pressure their parents to buy very expensive clothes--even in elementary school. Some parents report that uniforms appeared to be more durable since they are made for repeated wash and wear. Often schools have used uniform shops, further reducing costs.
School spirit
Some feel wearing a uniform help builds school spirit. They believe it instills a feeling of belonging. Parents and students in schools with successful uniform policies often indicate that there was an improved sense of school pride and spirit.