Are School Uniforms A Good Or A Bad Thing?
America
In America many schools allow students to wear pretty much whatever they want, although there are often prohibitions; girls can’t show cleavage, stomach, too short a skirt, spaghetti strap, etc.
Whereas others require that students wear collared shirts and no jeans etc. and some require full uniform.
In 2009–10, about 19% of public school principals reported that their school required students to wear uniforms, an increase from 12% in 1999–2000.
Also in 2009–10, approximately 57% of public school principals reported that their school enforced a strict dress code, an increase from 47% on 1999–2000.
In Other Countries
In the U.K., Japan, Hong Kong, and several African countries, school uniforms are worn in almost every school.
In France and Germany, school uniforms are worn in just a few schools, and in some countries they’re not worn at all.
The Times They Are A Changing
Recently however some countries are reviewing or have already changed their stance.
Both France and Germany are reconsidering bringing school uniforms back.
On the other hand, some schools in the U.K. have gotten rid of school uniforms.
With such different rules in these different countries, it’s perhaps important to think about whether or not school uniforms are really necessary, and why.
The Upside
An obvious upside is that kids from poorer families won’t be looked down on by kids from richer families who wear the latest designer clothes and accessories.
Another upside is that if a kid acts badly out of school by fighting or stealing etc then it’s easy to identify what school he or she comes from.
And I can’t honestly see a major downside to insisting on kids having to wear a uniform.
