School Uniforms Yes or No
Replies
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There is currently a debate within the school district that my kids attend. Currently there are no School Uniforms and the kids can where what they want. Providing it conforms to school rules of course. What do you think of school uniforms? Pro's/Con's
I can't think of *anything* positive for kids really. *shrugs*0 -
hi there, I'm a chemistry teacher at high school and from the point of safety I agree with wearing uniforms. I live in scotland and the general trend for cheap sports clothing worn by the masses for example is an accident waiting to happen in the science lab aside from all the *****iness that goes on over how folk like to dress. Yes it is an extra expense but it gets kids in the frame of mind for study, after all thats what they are supposed to be there for. It also teaches them the skills of conformity for the workplace. How many of you adults out there have "work" clothes and dressy clothes? Its just the same....I don't wear my "normal" clothes to school either......I'm a biker and that wouldn't go down well!! So I conform because I'm at school too!
I have worked jobs that required uniforms. I hated it. Currently, I wear what I want, within modesty, and it makes me feel like a person rather than a lackey. I will not go back to wearing a uniform unless it were life/death situation.0 -
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.
Another study that was done, had teachers treat kids with blues eyes like they were stupid and kids with brown eyes they treated like they were smart and after a week they reversed it. Kids automatically lived up to the expectation of the teacher. So initially the blue eyed kids had lower grades, when they reversed, the blue eyed kids grades improved and the brown eyed kids grades went down. So kids will live up to expectation.
When you put both together, this is the psychological argument for why kids should wear uniforms. This is the data behind why schools often institute it.
Personally, I don't like uniforms because I believe in individuality. However, I do understand the benefits to the kids in a school setting. Not so much high school, but elementary school, there is a real advantage.
FYI, while I would like say teachers should be above such behavior, treating kids differently, but the reality is they are human. Actually, my daughter ended up with a self esteem issue after second grade because the teacher favored a certain type of child that my daughter did not fit into. She actually had the nerve to tell me that a child should never say "no" to an adult, this was to actually suppress individuality of any kind. While saying "don't play favorites" or "come to class with any predisposition", this is near impossible in reality because adult humans have predispositions from all their experience in life. Many are subconscious, but they are there. Most teachers try very hard not to do it, but it can leak through even with those who have the best intentions.0 -
so as far as the argument that uniforms are cheaper somehow .... tell me how two kids who have a closet full of clothes they "could wear" to school, but cant ... and now i have to buy "special" clothes JUST for school- how is that cheaper, i had expected to spend about 100.00 each to freshen up wardrobes, now i will be spending more just to buy "approved" clothing ahd you know you still have to have "real" clothes for them too, because they arent going to wear uniforms around the house and on weekends.
I think the uniforms are "cheaper" only if your kids start wearing them early. I wore uniforms starting in Kindergarten and that continued through third grade so I simply didn't develop a sizeable wardrobe of non-uniform clothes. I had "real" clothes, too, but they weren't as much of a priority and most often were "hang around the house" clothes, so they weren't that expensive.
When I stopped wearing uniforms for school, my wardrobe expanded.
Now, I'm in the military and back into a world where most of my clothes are uniforms. Since joining seven years ago, I've perhaps bought ten shirts and four pairs of pants. With the exception of suits I bought when stationed oversas, where costs were very low, my general wardrobe costs are down because I have no choice in what to wear. I have five sets of tops and bottoms so that I can have a fresh set every day. When I get home, I'm usually in jeans and my uniform t-shirt. So the main times I need "regular" clothes are Saturday and Sunday.
Regarding the idea of uniforms in general, it can depend on how it's handled. Usually, I don't have a problem with dress codes that are still pretty open, such as "all shirts must have sleeves" or "shorts or skirts must go below the fingertip level / to the top of the knee". That can address any image or modesty concerns the school may have while still allowing students to embrace a style of their own and often lets their clothes work for them both in and out of school.
Beyond that, you're better going for strict "school issue" rules as in you're told to buy a specific style garmet from a specific vendor or the school provides the item, directly, because at that point, you're talking about true uniforms, just like a sports team.0 -
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 front0 -
I am from the UK where uniforms are universal. I wore one in first, middle and upper schools.
I agree with uniforms in principle, but more should be done to make them affordable for all to have the desired effect. My eldest who is 4 starts school in a few weeks and she is so excited about her uniform. The majority of it can be purchased fairly cheaply from the supermarkets etc with just a few logo items. I was fortunate to get the logo coat (optional item) for £1 second hand through the school.. All in all for the uniform, PE kit socks, tights and shoes I have probably spent £100 which is still a lot. I think I will resent the cost more when the novelty wears off and when my son starts school too - especially as we won't be able to do hand me downs.
My husband works for a private school and the cost of their uniforms is unbelievable, but then I guess if you can afford the fees a uniform is small change - not so easy for the parents of scholarship kids though I imagine.0 -
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.0
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Oh and I think most of the world has uniforms for school children. I loved seeing the brightly colored uniforms the children wore in Nigeria. Each school or district had a different color, and since this was a Muslim area the little girls were required to wear head scarves.
There is nothing wrong with it as it really helps, in most ways, reduce that class distinction between poor and rich. Hopefully children are more on an even playing field and not judge for clothing.0 -
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.0
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I like school uniforms.
what I don't like is the growing trend towards outrageously expensive uniform, available through only one outlet, often with the outlet difficult, expensive or even impossible to access for parents without transport, internet access and/or credit/debit cards. i'm fortunate enough to have transport and an ex with a large wallet who is willing to foot the bill because it comes to well over a week's wages for me.0 -
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.0 -
Loooove Japanese school uniforms, though I think they could stand to make their skirts longer...0
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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.0 -
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...
agreed. Plus you have children that wear $200 sneakers vs those who wear payless.0 -
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.0 -
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.0 -
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...0 -
I actually like it. Makes school shopping so much easier. My son wears a black polo and khakis....very simple. The usually have great sales at Old Navy and I stock up.
A lot of people have mentioned it, but Old Navy really is fabulous for uniform shopping (assuming it suits your particular schools needs). They seem to be really great about providing affordable options.0 -
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.
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...0 -
ETA** My son in hos uniform...
excuse mess.. he refused to put his jeans tidy... just threw them
OMG your little boy is such a cutie, and with the adorable UK accent
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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)
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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...
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 all0 -
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 money0 -
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.0 -
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.0 -
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.
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 agree! What a handsome little man 0 -
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.0
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I went to Catholic School and had to wear a uniform. I know I'm in the minority here, but I loved it!
Every morning I would roll out of bed and it didn't matter what I grabbed, everything would match (our choices were khaki or blue pants/khaki or blue skirt, white or blue oxford, a tie for the guys and in the winter red or blue sweater). That's it. Accessories had to be modest and there were rules about skirt length, hair color, hair length and facial hair on boys, socks, dress shoes...etc...
I know a lot of people here are disagreeing with this statement...but I think it made everyone equal. No comparing brand names or worrying about having the latest fashions. My family wasn't very well off (my great grandmother paid for us to go to private school) and without having to worry about what I was wearing, I was able to concentrate on my studies and focus on more important things.0 -
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 ^^0 -
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.0
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