Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise 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 sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on homework.

Values:

School uniforms stress that individuality and self-expression are not determined by designer clothing or the latest fashion fad.

Low Cost:

School uniforms are a bargain. They are becoming far less expensive than many other clothes. Schools argue that school uniforms are economical, especially compared to designer clothing, and parents agree given school uniform durability. They say school uniforms last longer because they are made for repeated wash and wear. Many schools capitalize on this by starting used school uniform stores or swap meets. Parents can get used school uniforms at discount prices, or just use them as hand-me-downs between siblings.

School Spirit:

Some feel wearing a school uniform helps build school spirit. It instills a feeling of belonging. As the Beach Boys said, "Be true to your school." Schools report an increase in school pride.

Individuality:

Suppressing individuality is the most commonly cited objection to school uniforms. Educators argue that an academic program encouraging students to pursue individual thought is much more important than what they wear. They inhibit creativity and self-expression, forcing students to conform.

Causes Discipline Problems:

Some students reject any rules. Forcing them to wear school uniforms only aggravates their rebellious spirit. They alter their school uniform by tightening, widening, shortening, or lengthening them, and teachers are given the impossible task of policing the students on a daily basis.

Little or No Relationship to Academics:

Opponents insist that there is no credible evidence that school uniforms improve school discipline or promote higher academic achievement. The principal argument is that some great students are terrible dressers. Dress does not necessarily improve learning.

The advantages & disadvantages of school uniform

After a child is born, his parents dream of seeing him grow and go through various important stages of life. One of the initial and most vital steps towards growing and understanding the world is going to school. School is the center of learning and temple of knowledge, which the child attends to decipher the various mysteries and puzzles of existence. It helps in his development and makes him a completely independent identity. Thus, school is the most crucial place for a child to be. This importance has triggered many issues that are significant in making the schools a better place for students. The provision of dress code in school has emerged to be one such heated topic.

Pros. Dress code is an integral part of school environment. A fixed dress code helps the students perform academically better. Students concentrate more on their studies rather than on deciding their wardrobe. Apart from removing distraction, uniforms compel students to take school environment more seriously. Children tend to be misjudged and ridiculed by others due to the kind of clothes they wear. Thus, uniforms reduce social conflict and violence in the schools. One of the most profound benefits of having schools uniforms is that they are highly cost effective and relieve the parents from the burden of buying fashionable and expensive clothes every now and then.

Cons. School uniforms surely curb the self expression of a child. Sociologists believe that it may lead to inappropriate ways of expression by children, such as improper use of make up and jewelry. Another reason argued against school uniforms is that they deprive the children of their individuality. The stress on a uniform dress code in school opposes the spirit of unity in diversity and its celebration. It is even claimed to restrict socialization, a vital aspect of human nature. In comparison to civil dress, school uniforms prove to be futile and wasteful once the child is out of school. Another ill effect of school uniform is that it deprives the children the comfort, which one experiences on wearing different type of clothing, as per individual choice. This discomfort might adversely reflect upon the academic performance of the child.

What Are the Pros and Cons of School Uniforms?

The use of school uniforms is a topic of hot debate among parents and

school administrators. Some argue the benefits of school uniforms, while

others believe that the downsides are far more numerous. While you

probably cannot influence what your school has already decided, you may

have a voice on the issue of school uniforms in PTA meetings. You also

have the choice of sending your child to a school that does or doesn't

require school uniforms. If that is the case, here are a few pros and cons

you should keep in mind.

PROS

Experts believe that children who wear school uniforms do better

academically. This is due to a myriad of reasons, including not wasting

time in the morning getting ready, lack of distractions, and a more

formal studying environment.

School uniforms may significantly reduce peer pressure. With students

not having to worry about their looks, fitting in not longer becomes the

main worry in kid's lives. School uniforms may also provide a way out

for poor children who otherwise couldn't keep up with the trends and

would face ridicule or pressure from other children.

On the same note, while the initial investment to get school uniforms

may be high, children can then wear the same outfit without having to

worry about owning a large change of clothes. Uniforms are usually made

out of durable, easy-to-care for materials that do not require frequent

replacement.

CONS

School uniforms may hinder self expression through clothing, forcing

children to find other ways to put across who they are. Children who

wear school uniforms are more likely to use makeup early, and many

resort to extreme accessories or to alter their uniforms to

differentiate themselves from others. For example, many girls shorten

their skirts as a way to rebel against the severity of school uniforms.

Self expression and individuality is important to a child's development.

Wearing school uniforms may teach children that is OK to conform to

standards, even if you don't agree with them. It also sends the child a

mixed message, as the real world does not allow for safe options such as

wearing a uniform.

Assignment 3

What does procrastination tell us about ourselves?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14