Discussion: Uniforms in School

I think it should be implemented in all public schools, all the way through high school. These kids need to focus on learning not what others are wearing or what they do or don't have. This society seems to be driven by name brands and material possessions, kids need to learn so they can make the money to support their future families and make something of themselves. Their focus needs to change. I fully support school uniforms.

You know, having hand-me-downs as a child and the not-so-good kind, and living in a rich community . . . I'd have to say that it was embarassing going to school dressed in the clothes that I owned. No one really said anything about it, other than to say how nice I would look in 'such and such' clothes - but how do you tell rich kids you have to buy your own clothes if you want them and that you can't afford it? Hmmm . . .

Comparing clothes and trends to other kids is a distraction in school. It takes away from the actual education you should be receiving. And kids can be harsh.

That said. . . I am all for school uniforms. The kids that don't like it can suck it up and deal. When they work in the real world they'll have to find out that there are dress codes and dress restrictions there as well, and for good reason.

Let them wear their street clothes on their own time - just like their parents do when they come home from work. There's a time and a place for them to figure out their identity, and a time and a place for them to focus on the things that are actually going to teach them the skills they need to get them through life.

For Kindergarten, my oldest daughter attended a school that required a uniform. It was a lax uniform code, more like a strict dress code- no jeans, plain pants in a solid color, and a plain shirt in a solid color- it could be any type of shirt, as long as it was in good shape, and a solid color. It did have to have the school name embroidered on it, but we could get whatever shirts and pants we wanted.

I don't think it's a bad thing, but in school, I'd have detested it.

The good thing about uniforms is when you wake up and in a hurry, ya don't have to "decide" what will I wear today.
From one who went to both public and private schools.

I have mixed feelings on this. From a child's point of view, I remember wearing uniforms everyday. I was used to it because I wore them from the get-go. However when I went to public school in Jr. High, I loved not wearing uniforms.

As a parent, my kids wore uniforms for several years. Cheaper on the clothing budget and no hassles trying to decide what the kids should wear.

I go along with whatever the school district dictates.

While I understand the reasons many would like it, I am against it... Children want to express themselves and it is up to us parents to make sure they dress appropriately...

I don't like school uniforms at all. I like being able to choose, or having my children choose their own clothes. They have enough time when they become adults and join the workforce to conform to a dress code.
Let them be children! Let them express their own identity. Let them make their own mistakes. I don't want the government taking the power out of my hands.
I want to make choices for my kids. Period. End of story.

No kids so I have little opinion on this but think what Nurse Nancy says make sense.

"As a parent, my kids wore uniforms for several years. Cheaper on the clothing budget and no hassles trying to decide what the kids should wear."

One other thought...I had one!

If school has a "dress code." this can be more of a hassle than a parent might think. It creates work that some "wisdom impaired" school administrators are ill equipped to do. Also whoever wrote the "dress code" was probably no Thomas Jefferson.(Bet the house)

What if a kid wears a t-shirt that says South Carolina on it and has part of the Confederate flag on it. What if a T-shirt has Jesse Jackson? Jesus? Paris Hilton showing partial breasts but no nipples? What about jeans that expose your underwear? (There was a bill in the Florida legislature to ban that...don't know if it passed)

I agree it doesn't give them much in self expression but that should be done in their own time anyway. This gives children the foundation they need that they need to act a certain way while in certain places. I live in Columbus, Indiana but a lot of the public schools in Indianapolis, Indiana are requiring uniforms and there are programs for families who need assistance buying them. I even saw them being sold in Target. I think it is a good idea. It would certainly save parents a lot of money in the long run and fix the problem of some of the extremely inappropriate things kids are wearing today.

I hate school uniforms. They don't solve any of the problems that people pretend they do, and they cause an extra hardship on families that either have to buy a second wardrobe or force their poor children to wear their ugly uniform clothes outside of school.

Jeans and a tee-shirt, Sarah? Be glad you didn't go to school when I did... All "girls" had to wear dresses or skirts and, the hems had to touch the floor when you were on your knees or you got a detention... We also had a rule against "bizarre accoutrements" -- I mean, can you GET any more "nebulous" than that?

I think uniforms are probably a good idea... I read just last night in the local paper that one of the local high schools now forbids anyone to wear "shirts, skirts, blouses, tops, dresses, pants, scarves or hats" that are either solid blue or solid red... One student was saying that she couldn't even wear a pair of shorts that were NAVY BLUE because it violated the dress code. I dunno... My kids are all too old to have been in school during this "nortenos vs. surenos" gang deal but, if they're going to keep refining the dress code like that, they might as well make them wear uniforms... Also, that way, "poor kids" look the same as "rich kids"... They did in MY day, too... That's because patched jeans and old, funky clothes were "the syle"... We ALL looked "poor"!!! (Just one other thing I love about being a hippy! ...lol...)

They started requiring school uniforms in my town a few years ago...it took about a year and a half for all to comply. It is a money issue with most as they cannot afford 2 sets of clothes for their kids.

I think every grade should be forced to wear uniforms. I think it send a great message to the kids.

I went through 12 years of catholic school. I HATED THEM. I would not wish that on any child.

i see the idea of a dress code. i think it is best if they have a dress code policy and actually adhere to it. kids can wear decent clean clothes without having to all look alike.

I don't like school uniforms for school. My younger kids just started a school that does not require uniforms this year. Before for three years they wore uniforms...It was a nightmare...They were expensive and had to have a logo...kaki or navy blue was the pants or shorts to wear..Plus buying a secvond set of clothes to wear when kids aren't in school......To costly for low income families...I was always looking for a misplaced shirt or pair of pants because I didn't have enough of each for my kids to go 3 days with out washing clothes.

Certain dress codes should be put into place but I'm not one for school uniforms!

I think it's a good idea - it keeps kids from making fun of other kids for what they're wearing, and it doesn't leave a lot of room for people to try to stretch the rules.

i think having to have a logo, etc is excessive though!

I wore uniforms - plaid skirt, white oxford shirt, tie and blazer, to school every day. Most of the students in my high school came from wealthy families and it evened things. My daughter also wore a uniform - plaid jumper, then plaid skirt with oxford shirt and navy or khaki pants in bad weather. It takes away competition and allows students to sleep later.
No what-to-wear dilemma!

If there is no uniform, there should certainly be a strict dress code. While uniforms may not solve all clothing problems, students who attend school in sloppy clothing, tank tops, torn jeans and shorts, etc., show a disrespect for learning.

Another thought: Uniforms really are inexpensive. Most schools hold used uniform sales twice a year. Used clothing is always priced very low. High school students generally wear the same uniform for all four years, then hand it down to a sibling, give it away or re-sell it. Uniforms really are a thrifty solution to clothing children.

Uniforms absolutely. Evens things out for kids, not competing about name brands or expensive items. Takes out the red/blue conflict in the gang areas. Keeps the kids minds on their learning. Maybe then they really can decide who they are, without clothing being the only way to show individuality. Doesn't have to be expensive.

When I was a kid, I would have hated to have to wear uniforms.. but mostly because, for girls, most school uniforms mean wearing a skirt.. I didn't want to have to wear skirts to school. I don't know if that has changed.. I know it has in some places. I don't know if uniforms, necessarily, are the way to go.. but a certain dress code, where everyone dresses similarly..like Heather was describing.. I think is a great idea. Still gives them choices, but still puts them all on a more level playing field and makes it easier.

Just dropping by to say hi hope you are having a great day.

I don't think they are a good idea at all. Just teaches kids to follow the pack.

My shildren went to uniforms in middle school...(they are all out now). I feel that it is a great idea. You do not have to worry about inappropriate clothes or them changing into something that you would not approve of after they get to school. They did not feel different, because everyone was wearing the same thing. It really is a good idea.

I think it would be beneficial because:
it would do away with gang colors,
kids who are richer dressing nicer than poor kids,
pants that are falling off and showing the backside or at the very least, the underwear, skimpy clothes that are too revealing
but they shouldn't be required in any school district that doesn't have laws about requiring things parents can't afford.
some schools sell the uniforms and provide them at lower cost to the poor, but if the poor can't afford them, they should be provided to the poor without cost

My kids are grown now, as is my granddaughter. I would have liked it for my kids. It would have been a lot less expensive for me and, from a general standpoint, a lot safer. It might have been boring for the kids, but it would eliminate a lot of problems.

I think they should because then they are all alike and those that can afford a new outfit everyday and those who can't will be all on the same page.

School uniforms would have just been another reason for my son to drop out of school. He had his own "school uniform." He would wear anything as long as it was black.

My daughter is heavy set. It would have been a chore to find school uniform clothing in her size. I wouldn't have been able to afford it.

Some of the school here have uniform requirements. The afrocentric school has all students wear white shirts/ black slacks or skirts. I heard they had a tough time finding a color combination that didn't have some kind of gang significance. It doesn't really matter though, the girls look nice but the boys still wear clothes 2 sizes too big and look sloppy.

This is not true: I think it's a good idea - it keeps kids from making fun of other kids for what they're wearing, and it doesn't leave a lot of room for people to try to stretch the rules.

To me it would depend upon the grade level. I wore uniforms in 1st through 3rd grade. At that age, it didn't bother me. However, if I am in 6th or 7th grade, it probably would drive me crazy!

I think uniforms are great. I went to catholic school so thats what i wore. In junior high i was in public school so i got to wear street clothes. Kids can be so mean if you dont dress like them. I do remember in Junior high we could not wear anything sports related because that was considered gang attire. I didnt even live in LA but an hour and a half away lol.

Catholic school boy, me. Uniforms all the way, and I remember some of the wars between the kids and the school because of them.

Financial considerations aside, I think they are a good thing, if only because it instilled - to a degree - a certain deference to authority that stood us well later in life.
Sure, self-expression is a good thing, and I'm not advocating a Pink-Floyd-style "We don't need no educashun" mentaility, but sometimes in life you need to do things you don't want to, because of a bigger picture. It is all part of functioning as part of society.

Not all of the lessons one learns in school, one learns in the classroom.

mixed feelings as well - cost vs cost - the need for everyone to feel the same ~ dont know for sure which is the best as I can understand both sides to the story ~j

I think uniforms would be good so that the dressing of students would not cause a distraction from the education of students

Points for Sarah . .

Our school system has a similar dress code. The first year it was implemented people screamed but now they see that it's actually easier to keep up with and levels the playing field a little. Sorry, but I don't agree with the "self expression" argument. Public schools are for learning and the fewer distractions the better. Students can dress as like outside of school. I think this carries over into the job market, too, and it's a good idea to get people accustomed to what is acceptable to wear in an institutional or business environment.

Back in my day we had a pretty strict dress code but no uniforms. The restrictions got less and less and were minimal when my daughter was in school. I don't think it's a bad idea. It would take a lot of pressure and possibly financial burden off some students as well as parents in the clothes department. Brand name consciousness could be taken out of the learning equation. Now if the junk foods could be taken out of the cafeterias.

And yes, thanks for commenting on my writing, and remembering. I had a critique of my writing yesterday. I decided to totally rewrite that one. I hope to revamp others as well.

We wore uniforms growing up. My daughter wore a uniform through school. I think it solved a lot of problems. We did not have two wardrobes. We had a couple of Sunday dresses for church and a few sets of shorts and tops during summer. I don't know if it was cheaper for my parents to buy uniforms as opposed to regular clothes. I do know it saved me a fortune on my daughter's clothes. For one thing, with the uniforms, there is a huge amount of hem, and as my daughter grew, the hem could be lowered. What we did have to buy every year were her shoes. Shoes just will not go through three or four years worth of use. As to uniforms hindering self expression, I'm just not able to see that at all. We wore the same clothes, we didn't all necessarily think alike, have the same sense of humor, the same interests. Uniforms just meant we were satisfactorily covered. I think personality is going to come out no matter what a person is wearing, unless the clothing causes a negative effect on a person and stifles that person. We did not go through the social status issues in school that my husband has told me about. We also didn't revolve around a football schedule because we went to a girls school, which I totally appreciated. For me, high school felt very free to be me. And where I went to high school the girls were not mean to one another. I'm beginning to think the atmosphere was the exception rather than the rule. My daughter never seemed to mind wearing a uniform either.

The only drawback I ever felt about wearing a uniform was forgetting my beanie or my tie. It was hell to pay to forget either. And I was very bad about remembering those. Past that, uniforms were just fine.

I didn't have a problem with uniforms when my daughter was in 4th grade and lower, but then she started growing couldn't buy a uniform that fit. I went to the school board and no more uniform for her. She was to tall and the uniform didn't cover much. I informed them that anyone that wouldn't be properly covered shouldn't be required to wear it. They agree and parents could fill out a form and be exempt.

I went to a Catholic school and wore uniforms all my life. There were some problems that it solved and I think they served their purpose. We were never concerned about who had what brand of jeans etc. I see the way some of the kids go to school now and I am appalled. My oldest came home in second grade and said one of his friends would not talk to him because he did not have on the right type of jeans. I took my child out of that school the next day. What are we teaching our kids?

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My granddaughter told me they implemented uniforms in one of the high schools here to deter gangs who wore certain clothes to distinguish them as members of certain gangs.

Thanks for this discussion and thanks too for reading and commenting on my article,

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I'm pleased that you liked it enough to take time to comment. It means a lot.

i never had to wear uniforms except for Girl Scouts... i think it's not such a bad idea ...

My thoughts, as a parent whose kids have been uniform-less until this year (for my middle schooler): I love the idea. School is not a fashion show - it's the place to learn. We live in a country that is quickly descending on the ladder of success stories in the way of academic achievement and qualified workers. Our economy is in trouble now, but what will happen when 50% of the workforce is supporting the other 50% of the population because we have an aging population of baby boomers PLUS a bunch of people that didn't take school seriously enough to get good-paying jobs? Extreme? Perhaps - but it could be on the horizon if things don't change.

As far as two sets of clothes and expense - what? I bought my son 5 pairs of khaki shorts on sale at Penney's and a belt plus 5 white polo tops for $120. I also bought him 3 pairs of khaki pants on sale at BJ's wholesale for $12 each. He already had black shoes. That's the cheapest school shopping I have EVER done. He'll need two more pairs of khakis once fall weather really hits us, but that's neglible and gives me some time. He already has other clothes for after-hours. If he needs more, I'll either wait for a sale or go to the Salvation Army of Goodwill. Who's going to know? That's one of the ways I save money as it is. One child could cost you $400 easy when school shopping, so I know it can be expensive. The uniforms situation was a God-send. My daughter cost me $300 between the clothes, shoes, socks, underwear, bras, etc.!

As for stunting personal growth, self-expression, blah blah blah ... stuff it. They have hours outside of school in which to do that. They have weekends. They have friends they see in the neighborhood. Hey, if they want to, they could wear funky socks, fashion jewelry, or WATCH OUT - two different shoes. As long as they're black, they're still within code, right? If they want to push the limits ... er ... sorry ... express themselves, they can just think outside the box while staying within the code. :)

Bottom line: as long as there are parents that don't know/care how their kids dress or how they treat other kids and as long as there are parents that are oblivious to the crappy jobs they are doing in raising their kids (example: I have had friends of my kids' visit our home that have ZERO manners), we will have to have school district intervention to keep the focus on learning. My 10 y/o daughter wants to dress like Hannah Montana-ho (we also call her Hannah Ho-tana) and Bratz/hooker dolls, but there's no way in HELL that's going to happen. If that means I have to drive her butt to school, peek in on her during the day, and pick her butt up, I will. It's my way or the highway! She will dress in a respectable manner appropriate for her age at all times or she will get only basic necessities and plenty of humiliation from me (and I mean in the form of mom driving her back and forth to school).

And ChriJerri - they have started a new program here in elem and middle schools that if kids want to spend money in the "snack" line, they have to have a signed note from a parent in order to do so ... and the note has to state what they are allowed to purchase and how much. Not sure if that will really solve anything, but it will deter the kids from bringing piggy bank money to school to buy ice cream. Why would they offer that junk anyway???

I like the idea of school uniforms

uniforms are easier on kids and parents

I was a teacher in an inner-city high school, and it killed me that these kids were below the poverty-line, and yet they felt pressured to dress in expensive clothing, and out do each other! I would love to see uniforms, so that they wouldn't feel that pressure. Also, when the weather became a little warm, the girls would wear skimpy clothing which was extremely distracting to their adolescent male classmates!

I think uniforms are a good idea. I say compromise, have uniforms but let the kids express themselves through accessories. Don't put limits on hair coloring, piercings, jewelry, scarves, overshirts etc.

I personally would like all schools to have school uniforms. Kids can express themselves at home or church or in the public but school is for learning not trying to compete who has a nicer wardrobe or newest fashion. A lot of poorer kids get ridiculed for what they wear and hand me downs because they cannot afford the newest style fashions etc. If everyone wore the same uniform there would be a lot less jealousy, rivalry and comparisons. I disagree on the hair coloring and piercings kimber mentions above. Again it leads to some kids thinking they are special or better than some one else. I feel uniforms should have been introduced years ago and would support it. The other option is like my daughter does, Home school.

Accessories like back packs could be a way for kids to have some idenity or lunch boxes. Pencils and note books. These are more affordable to most than clothes than can be very expensive.

Having done both in my school career, I am against uniforms. I think dress codes are much better ideas. It teaches the children how to dress in a way that many arent learning now. I would never arrive for a job interview in ragged jeans and a t shirt. Teens do it all the time and consider themselves dressed up because they are not wearing sweats or pjs. Uniforms don't allow for any individuality or style. I think the kids need to learn how to find their style within the bounderies, but not have to look exactly like everyone else.

April, the teasing gets worse because if they can't pick on you about your clothes, it becomes personal. I was teased because I was smart, because I had long hair, because I was skinny. They even called me ugly. I would much rather have my clothing attacked than my pesonal features. Clothing can be changed or fixed. The other stuff they resort to cannot and sometimes leaves lasting complexes.

thanks for posting to one for me one for you!