Anyone who attended a private school as a kid will probably say that the sight of plaid wants to make them poke their eyes out, along with any American teenager. Most would want to protest against wearing uniforms in public schools. Do school uniforms really better their intellectual capabilities? Do they stop all gangs, bullying, and judgment issues? Or are we just running from the issues of the Real world? Can we come up with a compromise that would please all, and end this gyrating argument once and for all?
When someone brings up school uniforms, the thing that probably comes to mind first is most likely little private school girls, in their plaid skirts and young men in their sweater vests and trousers. That’s not always the case though, especially these days. Many public schools are adopting the idea of school uniforms. Though, majority of school uniform wearing schools are private and religious, public schools are still included. Some people think that the uses of uniforms help students focus on their studies, rather than the other unneeded trouble. Many people have arguments about whether uniforms are a benefit to public schools or not.
People who think school uniforms are a good idea are starting to sate their point. Results are starting to show that uniforms can solve a lot of public schools issues. Such as; school safety, school attendance, being able to hold higher standards, and helping students fit in with each other.
Administrator, Mr. Evans, who has a school uniform program, says that he indeed likes what he sees. He has noticed a decrease in absent children, and a more seriously taken structure to their schools. Many people believe that wearing a uniform will help reduce distractions in schools, because students aren’t worrying as much about fashionable trends. Some believe that school uniforms show individually and self-expression in one self, without the materials. Parents think that school uniforms help take the stress off in the morning, so they don’t have to be worrying about what to dress their kid in, or if their child’s clothing is appropriate. They also believe that it helps bring in school spirit and pride, when dressed in school colors. Lots of parents reason that uniforms cut down on cost of their student’s wardrobe too.
"A uniform helps pupils feel they belong to a group and to be clear what role they are in. If they are getting dressed in a uniform they know they are getting ready to be a student and learn.” Dr. Rudkin expresses his opinion on school uniforms. He comes from Llanberis in Gwynedd and works as a clinical psychologist in England. Rudkin believes that school uniforms are a great idea and that it helps distinguish the difference between home life, and school.
Though, there are very good arguments that might change your mind about school uniforms, there are even more interesting opinions on the other side of the story.
“A school uniform policy inhibits a student's freedom of choice. Schools teach students that our country is a free one. But when school boards make students wear what they tell them too-- it curtails the students' freedom.” –Rob Mabad, from the Western Mail.
Most American teenagers attending a public school would probably rebel if told to wear school uniforms. Studies say that uniforms will help stop the bullying and gangs. But, what about the style and color of your hair, or your height and weight, and what about the way the way you walk, and the things you chose to do outside of school. Cliques are a problem in all schools, but making everyone dress the same isn’t going to solve any issues. People are still going to form groups with the people they get along best with. If putting everyone in uniforms is going to solve school issues, what about when their children get to the real world?
If kids are put in a uniform to hide their differences, they are never going to learn how to deal with people who are different from them. So, when they get out to the real world and one of their collogues is different then them, how are they going to deal with that person, if they weren’t taught in school. Another argument is that school uniforms will help cut the cost of children’s wardrobes. That can be avoided right away if parents aren’t buying their children brand name clothing.
And, as for safety, school uniforms aren’t going to stop students from bringing in a weapon, or keep kids from fighting. School uniforms might stop the intruder rate, but if someone wanted to get in bad enough I think they could find a way. Though you may be able to set higher standards in schools, you will still face discipline problems. Uniforms just give children another reason to rebel and break the rules. A better idea, to help with intruders, would be to have everyone wear a school identity badge, or have metal detectors when you walk through the doors.
There are many good comments, ideas and sides when it comes to school uniforms, but when it comes to my own opinion, I think there should be a compromise.
As a student attending a public high school, the thought of getting up and putting a uniform on every morning makes my skin crawl. Yes, a school should have an enforced dress code, but what’s wrong with dressy clothes. Dressy clothes would let everyone still be individual, while still presenting a strict school district. It would be a good way to represent your school too. There could be a no jeans and sweatshirt rule. Some schools have a school clothing store, where you can purchase school attire for less. I have heard of a school dress program that has students wear the attire available at their school clothing store everyday except for Fridays. On Fridays they can dress however they want, with the exception of skin barring clothing. To me, this is a very good idea and a wonderful compromise. Public School students should be able to express themselves, so they can figure out who they really are, while still learning how to deal with their peers and experiencing a piece of the real world.