People Against School Uniforms

While their reasons may vary, there are many people against school uniforms.

Pros and cons of uniforms.

Mandatory school uniforms may not be as common in public schools, but their popularity is on the rise. While some people feel uniforms stifle an individual's ability to express his or her personality and style, there are several advantages of school uniforms that should be debated prior to making the decision whether or not this policy will benefit your child.

The widespread belief that uniforms mask the identity of the wearer can be argued on many fronts. People against school uniforms rightfully feel clothing plays a large role in identity and individualism. Yet, on the opposing side of the argument, unless children play on a level playing field with the same means for the latest fashions and trends, uniforms can actually make school an antagonizing and dreaded experience.

During the tender school years, kids are very impressionable and look to their peers for what's acceptable in both fashion and dress. Unless you are the same size, same coloring and same height as your friends, fitting in while wearing the same clothing choices may prove challenging. Many families paying the added expense of private schooling find it financially impossible to keep up with the ever changing fashion trends. School uniforms ensure that the entire student body looks their best with minimal investment and thought. While this does harbor a large portion of expression, less strict student bodies do allow students to express individuality through their accessories, shoes, makeup, and hairstyles.

While individualism is the largest argued viewpoint in the school uniform debate, rebellion is another factor to consider. Some parents and students feel that strict policies create secrecy and rebellion amongst students. While there is no guarantee that your child may turn to rebellious behaviors, if he or she feels stifled and restricted, he or she may act out and respond through violence and rebellion. In addition to rebellion, other students may get caught up in the wrong crowd outside of the student body. Their involvement with a rebellious clique may encourage stealing, drugs, and underage drinking.

Along the same line of rebellion, some parents find that school uniforms restrict girls desire to express themselves and their femininity, thus promoting promiscuous behavior within the female student body. Because girls are especially sensitive about their physique during their early teen and teenage years, finding gratification and male attention may be important outside of the school facility. Girls may choose to dress sexier than normal outside of school, opting for low-cut tops, short skirts and high heels. The downside of these fashion choices is that they may garner the unwanted attention of men while sending the wrong signals. Not only is promiscuous behavior dangerous when it comes to contracting a sexually transmitted disease, unplanned pregnancies are numerous amongst young mothers who have had multiple sex partners.

While the arguments against uniforms are many, there are many benefits too. Kids love to fit in and find it easier to make friends when the pressures to look a certain way are set aside.

If you are considering sending your child to a private or public school where uniforms are a mandate, make sure you discuss the decision thoroughly with your child. Find out if she will be happy if she's required to wear the same clothing as her peers, and make sure he's comfortable wearing a dress shirt and possibly a vest as opposed to some of the many sports and character themed apparel he'll most likely wear outside of school. Once fashion is removed from an educational facility, many students find their grades thrive as they begin to put more focus on education rather than fashion.

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