School Uniforms Yes or No

Here is the research behind why uniforms are best for students.

They tested teachers and had kids dress either in poor clothes or in nice clothes. Generally teachers treated the children that were dressed better, nicer. The kids who looked poor were not treated the same. When they put all the kids in uniform and they looked the same the teachers tended to be more fair.

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At my daughters elementary school,and my sons high school it is very very obvious which kids are the "poor" kids even with the uniforms. The kids with more money just have nicer uniforms than the ones who don't. so nothings changed on that front

Pro reduces the class system that children of a certain age naturally develop and makes choosing what to wear every morning less of a hassle.

School uniforms heck yes, also have kids go to school 365 days a year until our ratings on our education increases dramatically from the rest of the world. We have created a dumb down society and thats scary.

I had to wear a uniform at every school I went to, but that's compulsory in Britain. My school in Germany had us wear uniforms too but not every school there does. My high school uniform was awful, black trousers or skirt, white shirt, black jumper, school tie, awful blazer. It didn't help that my father wouldn't let me wear anything fitted or feminine, so every item of clothing I had was bulky, ugly and uncomfortable, and I was extremely awkward because of it.
When I moved out when I was 14, and started being able to wear a uniform that actually fitted me, I was fine with it. It takes a LOT of pressure off you because you don't have to worry about what to wear, or what people will think of your clothing. Yes, people say it takes your individuality away but hell you get to wear your own clothes the rest of the time, and it's just school.
The thing with our uniform was that it was pretty expensive. You had to buy a certain blazer and then had to buy a sew-on badge from the school to go on the pocket and that cost a lot of money. And the blazer was mandatory year round, come rain, snow or sunshine, and that was torture, wearing a heavy blazer in the heat and being yelled at if you didn't have it on.

I think school uniforms are a sign of a bad district. The higher rated schools in my city do not require uniforms. It is the lower income/higher crime areas that require them.

That's interesting. It's the exact opposite in our area. Only the private and charter schools have them, and those are the schools with the highest ratings and more afluent families.

Thanks. I was trying to figure out a way to say that. I agree. Kinda judgey on that persons part.

Not "judgey", it's actually fact based. The schools in districts with high gang activity require uniforms where I live (houston). It's not like a "nice private school" type of thing here. It's a "everyone wears uniforms so they can't wear gangbanger clothes".

It might be true for Houston. It's not true for every place in the world. You're stating it like it's a scientific fact. It is not. There are various reasons why a school district may choose to enforce uniforms.

Reread my comments. I said "The higher rated schools in my city do not require uniforms. It is the lower income/higher crime areas that require them."
So obviously I wasn't referring to every place in the world.

From the UK, 2 kids, both go to school (well one starts in September) both have to wear a uniform.


Son is only 3, for the cost of 4 jumpers, 2 ties, a school hoodie for sports kit and 'book' bag cost me £100, for his trousers/polo tops cost me another £50... still got his shoes to get yet.


Daughter is 14, wears a blazer.. i played it safe an got one that was biggish... only had to pay for the 1 so far


I prfer to uniforms, they look smart.. not like they have been dragged through a hedge. I also agree the unforms stop every school day from turning into a fashion parade. Like i said my daughters 14... shes at that age where makeup is a major thing.

Those of you stating cost as a reason *NOT* to have uniforms really do not have a leg to stand on (Unless you don't have thrift stores in your area)

My son wears them and pretty much every single shirt (polo style) and pants come from the local thrift store.

I pay about $1.00-$1.50 for each shirt and about $2.00-$3.00 for each pair of pants.

I could never clothe him for that cost in store bought clothing, even off brand.

And no, his clothing doesn't look second hand. It looks brand new. The only thing I buy brand new for school for him is shoes, socks and underwear. Oh and he has to wear a belt.

Which is great if you live in the USA...

The School uniforms from the UK are rarely if ever found in a local charity shop.... tbh 14yrs of being a mum, i have yet to see ANY of my daughters past an present uniform in the charity shops.

When she was in primary school it was a bottle green sweat jumper/cardigan with school logo, Yellow polo shirt with school logo, grey skirt, bottle green tights and black shoes. (all had to be brought from the school as they DID colour check!)

Currently shes wearing a navy blue with purple lining blazer with school logo, white blouse, grey skirt and grey tights, black shoes nd a blue and purple stripe tie. Skirts have to be pleated.


My sons is like a maroon colour jumper with logo, white polo (no logo), grey trousers, grey socks (only his top/tie/book bag/ and hoodie have to have to have the logo)


ETA** My son in hos uniform...


excuse mess.. he refused to put his jeans tidy... just threw them


I still say who ever comes up with the colour combos were stoned...


When i was at school, ours was navy blue with white...

Which is great if you live in the USA...

The School uniforms from the UK are rarely if ever found in a local charity shop.... tbh 14yrs of being a mum, i have yet to see ANY of my daughters past an present uniform in the charity shops.

When she was in primary school it was a bottle green sweat jumper/cardigan with school logo, Yellow polo shirt with school logo, grey skirt, bottle green tights and black shoes. (all had to be brought from the school as they DID colour check!)

Currently shes wearing a navy blue with purple lining blazer with school logo, white blouse, grey skirt and grey tights, black shoes nd a blue and purple stripe tie. Skirts have to be pleated.


My sons is like a maroon colour jumper with logo, white polo (no logo), grey trousers, grey socks (only his top/tie/book bag/ and hoodie have to have to have the logo)


ETA** My son in hos uniform...


excuse mess.. he refused to put his jeans tidy... just threw them


I still say who ever comes up with the colour combos were stoned...


When i was at school, ours was navy blue with white...

I love this uniform! It is very put together and dignified. If only the public schools in the states had uniforms that were this presentable.

Thank You, I think he looks adorable




Just to even it out a bit... my special snowflake daughter an friends in their version of the school uniform :huh: (shes the one in the middle)

i am in UK, many schools have sales of clothing [uniforms] that have been grown out of & donated by parents, and it seems many parents just buy the hardly worn [you know how kids grow] and recycle, without any guilt feelings at all

iv never seen anythin like that in the articles/bullitins from the schools, cause if they are in good condition i dont see why not!

Lets face it, for the amount of time that they are in it before growing out of them.... they really arnt worth the money

Yes

That way it's harder to single out the poor and the kids can be accepted for their own merit instead of how nice their clothes are (how much money the family has).

Really? This is probably the number 1 reason I see parents defending them but it's simply not true. Our public schools that have uniforms just limit dress to non-denim pants (khakis, chinoes, etc) and polo/oxford shirts. You still have kids wearing the goodwill or off brand clothes and still have the kids who are wearing the Hollister brand pants and tops. Still have kids with trendy shoes and backpacks or kids will beat up shoes and backpacks... I have a really hard time seeing how this is a valid point...

Just having a dress code that doesn't allow jeans isn't a uniform. If everyone wore the SAME uniform, nobody would be able to show off their Holisters and there would be no Goodwill clothes either.

First off, you have to understand that there are differences between the public school uniform initiatives and the private school dress codes. Private schools are far more specific about uniforms with most requiring that the uniforms come from a very specific vendor. The clothes are all completely identical and the dress code is specific down to accessories, socks, and shoes. Public schools do not work the same way. They specify polo shirts and khakis. They do not specify where the uniform is purchased or any other specifics beyond that. So, basically, in a public school initiative, you are still going to have kids wearing different brands, different qualities of clothing, used clothing, and you will still have shoes as a status marker.

There is still division that exists among the students in uniformed public schools, and as someone pointed out earlier, the uniform initiative in public schools is primarily used to deter gang activity. Therefore, private schools with a regimented dress code are going to see the amazing benefits of uniforms, however, public schools are only going to use it as a last ditch (half-*kitten*) effort to improve district performance.

I attended a public school that made the switch to uniforms. I am not a fan. I think children worry about what they wear and look like regardless. Children will find away to make themselves standout or or show off through accessories, backpacks, coats etc, so the argument of it leveling the playing field between the haves and have nots is not accurate. Girls will still hike up, hem or roll up their skirts, so much for appearing conservative. Also, if you live in an urban area and your children have to travel a great distance to school like I did, then it could be a way other kids from other schools to identify you. I was in a gifted school, so when other schools saw the uniform, there was no way we could blend in. I know several kids who were beat up, robbed, bullied etc just because the uniform was like a walking billboard that they were one of the smart kids. Also, I believe uniforms promotes uniformity, when we should be teaching children how to be great individuals. I believe in dress codes, but I have yet to find any effective argument for uniforms.

uniforms-no no no!

if the kids have to wear uniforms, the teachers and principals should have to wear the same uniforms. why do they get to chose what clothes they can wear but the kids cant?

Because they are adults?

^^ this ^^

Yes

That way it's harder to single out the poor and the kids can be accepted for their own merit instead of how nice their clothes are (how much money the family has).

Really? This is probably the number 1 reason I see parents defending them but it's simply not true. Our public schools that have uniforms just limit dress to non-denim pants (khakis, chinoes, etc) and polo/oxford shirts. You still have kids wearing the goodwill or off brand clothes and still have the kids who are wearing the Hollister brand pants and tops. Still have kids with trendy shoes and backpacks or kids will beat up shoes and backpacks... I have a really hard time seeing how this is a valid point...

Just having a dress code that doesn't allow jeans isn't a uniform. If everyone wore the SAME uniform, nobody would be able to show off their Holisters and there would be no Goodwill clothes either.

First off, you have to understand that there are differences between the public school uniform initiatives and the private school dress codes. Private schools are far more specific about uniforms with most requiring that the uniforms come from a very specific vendor. The clothes are all completely identical and the dress code is specific down to accessories, socks, and shoes. Public schools do not work the same way. They specify polo shirts and khakis. They do not specify where the uniform is purchased or any other specifics beyond that. So, basically, in a public school initiative, you are still going to have kids wearing different brands, different qualities of clothing, used clothing, and you will still have shoes as a status marker.

There is still division that exists among the students in uniformed public schools, and as someone pointed out earlier, the uniform initiative in public schools is primarily used to deter gang activity. Therefore, private schools with a regimented dress code are going to see the amazing benefits of uniforms, however, public schools are only going to use it as a last ditch (half-*kitten*) effort to improve district performance.

I went to a public school that required uniform and it was a real uniform from a specific vendor. I had to wear a plaid kick pleat skirt, a white button down shirt, navy sweater vest and/or red and navy sweater with school seal on the chest. I was already a student there when they implemented the uniform, so it was a tough transition. Initially they cut us slack about some things. Boys would wear any pants as long as they were navy blue and girls work any white shirt, especially since the one's from the uniform store were such poor quality. As years progressed, there was less deviation. 20 years late the school is one of the few public schools in NYC that requires uniform. I get that private schools require uniform and that is their choice and a parent that doesn't want their child to wear one doesn't have to send their child to that school. I can't get behind uniforms in public schools. I have never seen any argument used to promote uniforms validated. I do support dress codes, but uniforms is one of those things that sound like a good idea, but do little to promote a better environment for education.

Oh... I absolutely agree. I do think perharps the school system that my kids were in would have gotten more strict with the uniforms over time. As you mentioned, uniform initiatives have to be phased in. But I didn't really see where adding a uniform initiative benefitted the kids or the parents in any way. Like I said, I found that my kids just abused their clothes more because they cared far less about them.

Yes

That way it's harder to single out the poor and the kids can be accepted for their own merit instead of how nice their clothes are (how much money the family has).

Really? This is probably the number 1 reason I see parents defending them but it's simply not true. Our public schools that have uniforms just limit dress to non-denim pants (khakis, chinoes, etc) and polo/oxford shirts. You still have kids wearing the goodwill or off brand clothes and still have the kids who are wearing the Hollister brand pants and tops. Still have kids with trendy shoes and backpacks or kids will beat up shoes and backpacks... I have a really hard time seeing how this is a valid point...

Just having a dress code that doesn't allow jeans isn't a uniform. If everyone wore the SAME uniform, nobody would be able to show off their Holisters and there would be no Goodwill clothes either.

First off, you have to understand that there are differences between the public school uniform initiatives and the private school dress codes. Private schools are far more specific about uniforms with most requiring that the uniforms come from a very specific vendor. The clothes are all completely identical and the dress code is specific down to accessories, socks, and shoes. Public schools do not work the same way. They specify polo shirts and khakis. They do not specify where the uniform is purchased or any other specifics beyond that. So, basically, in a public school initiative, you are still going to have kids wearing different brands, different qualities of clothing, used clothing, and you will still have shoes as a status marker.

There is still division that exists among the students in uniformed public schools, and as someone pointed out earlier, the uniform initiative in public schools is primarily used to deter gang activity. Therefore, private schools with a regimented dress code are going to see the amazing benefits of uniforms, however, public schools are only going to use it as a last ditch (half-*kitten*) effort to improve district performance.

I went to a public school that required uniform and it was a real uniform from a specific vendor. I had to wear a plaid kick pleat skirt, a white button down shirt, navy sweater vest and/or red and navy sweater with school seal on the chest. I was already a student there when they implemented the uniform, so it was a tough transition. Initially they cut us slack about some things. Boys would wear any pants as long as they were navy blue and girls work any white shirt, especially since the one's from the uniform store were such poor quality. As years progressed, there was less deviation. 20 years late the school is one of the few public schools in NYC that requires uniform. I get that private schools require uniform and that is their choice and a parent that doesn't want their child to wear one doesn't have to send their child to that school. I can't get behind uniforms in public schools. I have never seen any argument used to promote uniforms validated. I do support dress codes, but uniforms is one of those things that sound like a good idea, but do little to promote a better environment for education.

Oh... I absolutely agree. I do think perharps the school system that my kids were in would have gotten more strict with the uniforms over time. As you mentioned, uniform initiatives have to be phased in. But I didn't really see where adding a uniform initiative benefitted the kids or the parents in any way. Like I said, I found that my kids just abused their clothes more because they cared far less about them.

Exactly, I took no pride in my uniform. I didn't care if I got stains on it, if it was ripped. I cut all the skirts up the day I graduated. In my case this was middle school, so a time when you are figuring out who you are. I may not have started every morning worrying about what to wear, but I certainly started every morning worrying about what I couldn't wear. I felt so constricted. This was a gifted school. I had to travel an hour on public transportation through some of the city's' worst neighborhoods to get there. Since many of us came from all over the city, some students would wait until they got to school to change into their uniform, because they didn't want to worry about being bullied by the kids from other schools who could identify us by our uniforms.