School Uniforms, a Growing Trend

With autumn fast approaching, parents are celebrating and kids are mourning the end of summer vacation. School shopping is on everybody's list and sale flyers are in the mail regularly. The latest fashions of the year are on the top of the list for the students, while parents worry about the cost of school supplies as well as the cost of new clothing. In many countries, it is mandatory for all school age children to wear uniforms. The practice has become more common here in our country over the years and has many advantages as well as criticisms.

One of the objections to uniforms is that it takes individualism away from the child. Children should be able to express themselves thorough their clothing and hairstyles. That is very true. All children should be encouraged by their parents and teachers to grow scholastically and culturally. Learning to cope in the world they live in is a large part of a good education. Uniforms help the children to reach these same goals. If a child is brought up wearing the same outfit as all the others in the school, they do not know the difference. The personalities of the students are not compromised or suppressed in any way. If fact, most children excel in these situations, because they are able to concentrate on their studies and not the classmate with new pair of Nike's. Wearing uniforms also helps the students as they enter the workplace. Many companies have a dress code they expect their employees to adhere to. A new graduate has so many things going on in his/her mind that a personal rebellion against company policy might affect their performance on the job.

The idea of acceptable and unacceptable clothing has changed quite a lot over the years. Twenty years ago, no one would even consider wearing jeans to a place of worship or to an upscale restaurant. Clothing, formerly known as casual, is worn just about anywhere and is considered appropriate. Very few places require a shirt and tie, and formal attire is rarely seen except for weddings and the occasional ball. By wearing uniforms, the students become accustomed to dressing "appropriately" and never give it a second thought. Most children develop a strong sense of pride in their school colors much the same as team members do. They enjoy hearing "Look! She/He must go to South School "as they walk by.

Mandatory school uniforms may seem unnecessary and not cost effective for public school children at first glance. The parent's first objection is usually the potential cost, with good reason. The idea of buying several sets of clothing for the entire school year is usually a cause for concern, until prices are checked and compared to the cost of department store school clothes. An on line search or price checking in the local mall will prove that uniforms for the entire school year cost much less than the price of street clothes. All schools that requiring uniforms provide a list of approved clothing, local stores that carry the uniforms and names of on-line stores that supply the items as well.

In order for all children to have the same chance in life, they need to start school on the same level as every child that is in their school. No student can be made fun of because he (she) does not have two hundred dollar shoes or the latest fashions. There is no way to know which family is well off and which family is struggling. All children deserve the best education they can have. Uniforms seem to help the students work to their potentials.