The Benefits of School Uniforms
The benefits of school uniforms are countless. Uniforms can help eliminate peer pressure among students and can also help students and parents save time and money. Violence can also be greatly reduced simply by wearing school uniforms. Although the wearing of uniforms has been widely practiced throughout European, African, and South American public schools, the practice has primarily been within private schools systems throughout the United States until recently (West). All public schools should be required to wear uniforms in order to promote a better all-around environment for students and administration alike.
Students have a desire to “fit in”. They feel the need to be accepted by their peers. Fashion is one of the most important things in a student’s life; however, not everyone can afford the latest fads and styles. What students tend to forget is that school is not a fashion show and they are not there to be judged and graded for the clothes they wear. School officials in South Carolina were excited when uniforms became mandatory attire. The administration and staff were tired of dealing with boys in baggy clothing and girls in outfits that revealed too much skin. Baggy clothes concealed iPods and weapons, while revealing clothing preoccupied minds and left little attention to schoolwork (Cribbs). By implementing uniforms, the pressures of social status due to fashion have decreased tremendously. Individuality is still achieved through each student’s accessories: choice and color of jewelry, shoes, boots, belts, and so on. Uniforms eliminate the stress people feel when they are trying so hard to “fit in” with the crowd.
Time and money are valuable resources that everyone needs more of. By knowing exactly what to wear to school each day, time is saved for students and parents every morning. There is no wondering what to wear or having to choose between shirts or sweaters. Additionally, uniforms are typically cheaper than the fashions worn today, and a
Students have a desire to “fit in”. They feel the need to be accepted by their peers. Fashion is one of the most important things in a student’s life; however, not everyone can afford the latest fads and styles. What students tend to forget is that school is not a fashion show and they are not there to be judged and graded for the clothes they wear. School officials in South Carolina were excited when uniforms became mandatory attire. The administration and staff were tired of dealing with boys in baggy clothing and girls in outfits that revealed too much skin. Baggy clothes concealed iPods and weapons, while revealing clothing preoccupied minds and left little attention to schoolwork (Cribbs). By implementing uniforms, the pressures of social status due to fashion have decreased tremendously. Individuality is still achieved through each student’s accessories: choice and color of jewelry, shoes, boots, belts, and so on. Uniforms eliminate the stress people feel when they are trying so hard to “fit in” with the crowd.
Time and money are valuable resources that everyone needs more of. By knowing exactly what to wear to school each day, time is saved for students and parents every morning. There is no wondering what to wear or having to choose between shirts or sweaters. Additionally, uniforms are typically cheaper than the fashions worn today, and a
Cited: Brunsma, David L. The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education. Lanham: ScarecrowEducation, 2004 Cribbs, Jonathan. "Jasper County follows suit: Board of Education joins wave of schools requiring uniforms.” Knight Ridder Tribune Business News 16 March 2007 ProQuest Newsstand, ProQuest. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. West, Charles K., Diane k. Tidwell, Anne K. Bomba, and Patsy Alexander Elmore. "Attitudes of parents about school uniforms.” Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 91.2 (1999): 92-96. Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 20 Oct 2010. Wilkins, Julia. "School uniforms.” The Humanist 59.2 (1999): 19-22. Research Library, ProQuest. Web. 20 Oct 2010.