The Benefits of School Uniforms

Public School systems around the world are now requiring students to wear uniforms. School uniforms should be required in public schools because it would lead to higher education, less violence, and lower cost to parents. "School uniforms are one of several strategies being used by this nation's public schools to restore order in the classroom and safety in the schools" (Stanley 1). By implementing a uniform policy in schools it could help reduce the amount of violent crimes and help students focus more on school work. "Principals believe that the use of school uniforms can have a positive effect on violence reduction, and academic achievement, and can reduce the need for discipline" (Stanley 1). As a result, many public schools are adopting school uniform policies to help improve school safety and discipline.

Uniforms in public schools are becoming more common throughout the world. Without the distraction of fashion, students can focus more on learning rather than being a trend setter. "The introduction of uniforms can reduce the emphasis on fashion wars and reinforce the acceptability of more practical, less costly school clothing" (Stanley 2). "In addition to encouraging students to concentrate on learning, rather than on what to wear, uniforms can be social equalizers that promote peer acceptances, as well as school spirit and school pride" (Stanley 2).

Over the years there has been an increasing amount of violence in schools. There have been reports of children being beaten up for their clothes or for wearing a certain color. Uniforms would prevent gang color issues and theft of clothing. "The California Department of Education places school uniforms issues within Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Office, and highlights gangs and violence as reasons for adopting uniforms" (Bodine 47). If all children are dressed alike and wearing the same colors this will help in reduce the amount of gang related violence. "In addition to the distraction caused by crimes actually being committed, one in four students worry about being a potential target of criminal activity or threatening behavior at school" (Wade and Stafford 1).

With the amount of gang related activity on the rise parents and teachers have become worried about the safety of the students. A safe and controlled learning environment is the necessity of a good school. Students who feel secure and safe will only learn better and excel academically. I believe school uniforms should be a requirement in public schools because it will help in stopping violent acts and criminal behavior. Wearing baggy clothing to school and concealing weapons or other illegal items can be quite easy. If a uniform policy were put in effect it would eliminate most of these problems. "Many individuals, from parents and teachers to policy makers, have suggested that adoption of school uniform policies would alleviate behavior problems, violence, and the perception of gang presence while increasing perceptions of a safe, positive, academically focused, and community-oriented atmosphere" (Wade and Stafford 3).

One of the biggest concerns of parent's is the cost of the uniforms. Families are concerned with the amount of money they will have to spend on uniforms. This is a great concern for low income families who feel that uniforms will only be a financial burden. There are several different programs implemented for families with financial need. For instance, "local community business and charitable organizations have taken leadership roles in providing funds to purchase uniforms, grants from foundations have also been used to buy uniforms, uniform recycling centers keep cost down, and some school districts education funds are allocated from uniform purchases" (Stanley 5). The amount of money a family spends on school clothing will drop increasingly if school uniforms were mandated.

Schools are now looking more closely at uniform policies and adopting them. However, one of the biggest debates is the inability for students to express themselves. Students want to be individuals and be able to express themselves through the way they dress. There are many opposing view points when it comes to this controversial topic. Parents and students are worried that it may infringe on the students First Amendment rights. "Any innovation which involves limitation my be perceived as threatening and be opposed by the invocation of rights" (Bodine 57). Parents and students feel as if their rights are being taken away and this is their biggest concern. Parents and students need to understand and look more closely at the reasoning for the school uniform policy and why school officials want to implement it. There are many forms of self expression and one does not have to do this through fashion. Self expression can be expressed through personality, feelings, art, and communication.

In conclusion school uniforms will help alleviate the everyday stress of trying to fit in. The benefits of school uniforms include lessening violent crimes and unify students. As a result, many public schools are deciding to adopt uniform policies as a part of a program to improve school safety and discipline.

Works Cited

1. Stanley, M. Sue. "School Uniforms and Safety." Education and Urban Society 28.4 (1996), 424-435.

2. Bodine, Ann. "School Uniforms and Discourses on Childhood." Childhood 10.1 (2003), 43-63.

3. Wade, Kathleen Kiley and Mary E. Stafford. "Public School Uniforms: Effect On Perceptions of Gang Presence, School Climate, and Student Self-Perceptions." Education and Urban Society 35.4 (2003), 399-420.