Going through school can be a challenging time for many children as they learn and begin to decide their career paths. However, school offers a structured time for children to receive an education as well as spend time socially with peers. One hotly debated topic in school is regarding the attire of students; many schools support uniforms to promote equality and uniformity.
Types of School Uniforms
Although every school has some dress code or uniform requirements, the most serious schools often require full formal school uniforms with skirts for girls, slacks for boys, and jackets. Some require ties and even regulate the types of shoes that students are permitted to wear. In addition to official uniforms, most providers also offer a selection of sportswear that is perfect for exercise times and sports teams. These clothing options are comfortable and move easily, usually polo shirts with logo and pants. Alternatively, other schools have more lenient dress codes that allow students to wear any clothing as long as it meets the requirements.
Main Benefits of Uniformity
Although there are benefits to each policy, many people argue that without a uniform, there is more peer pressure to dress fashionably and this distracts from education. With a uniform, students are able to focus on learning in addition to many other benefits.
- Schools that require uniforms present students a place of belonging and community, especially when the child is younger.
- Interestingly, research has shown that schools with uniforms report less violence and fighting. The overall behaviour of students seems to be better when they dress formally in required school attire. This may correlate to the concept of “dressing the part” and not having to spend time each morning wondering what outfit is acceptable for other students to see that day.
- Society presents children with many ideas about what is fashionable and this oftentimes leads to bullying when a fellow student does not dress fashionably enough. Uniforms allow students to forget about clothing peer pressure and focus on learning skills and acquiring the knowledge needed for higher education.
Although there is no official correlation, allowing students to dictate the attire that is acceptable in school with no uniform seems to raise the chances of division among the student body. However, schools also need to be mindful of the necessary accommodations to the uniform, such as religious clothing. Ultimately, uniforms are an excellent way to promote uniformity amongst a student body both externally with well-designed professional clothing and internally as friends and schoolmates. Most schools use an excellent uniform provider with multiple options in colours and styles that allow the students to dress professionally in a serious, productive environment.
