school uniforms. Good or bad?

Diane - posted on 06/05/2012

Good. ive had four children who have all had to wear uniforms for school, when i was a child there was no uniform and i got bullied for not having the most trendy shoes or outfit.
when my children went to senior school they were only allowed a certain style of trouser that's ext ream but it stopped the kids being over concerned about their appearance at six form they could wear clothes suitable for the office and it worked well.
if the kids went to school out of uniform they were sent home to change or if they didnt have the appropriate uniform they were sent to town with a uniform purchase order

Bevely - posted on 06/09/2011

My Highschool went to uniforms when I was in the 11th grade, talk about a RIOT! Of course the first few days of school we all protested, but eventually we got over it. And I found that I actually liked wearing uniforms. You always new what to wear, white polo with khaki pants and brown belt. Shirts tucked in. We looked a lot nicer, and fights and bullying actually were decreased.

My kids wear uniforms but they have more color choices. Khaki pants with either white, black, or red polo shirts, and brown belts. Shirts must be tucked in. I like it because I find it a lot cheaper, and easier for them to pick out their clothes.

Jurnee - posted on 06/09/2011

Two of my children attended public schools that required uniforms, nothing fancy just certain color polos and khaki or navy pants, shorts, skorts, jumpers. At first I wasnt sure I would like it, but I have found that I save money on school clothes, as they are very inexpensive and the mornings are much easier when there is no debate about what to wear. Most of the kids still find ways to personalize their own style be it shoes, socks, jewelry or hair accesories. So for me it has been a positive experience. This was at the elementary school level. My daughters hs talkked about the idea a few years ago, and personally I think at that age they should have some choice in their clothing, but there should be dress codes.

Alecia - posted on 06/07/2011

i also feel that it up to the parents to make sure their teen daughters arent dressing like hussies. yes i had cleavage when i was 16+ but also had large breasts from an early age....but its not like i let it all hang out. at my highschool (and my daughters future school) they ARE strict about no spaghetti straps, no tube tops, shorts have to reach ur fingertips, ect. if u dnt follow the dress code u are made to either have someone bring u clothes or u have to wear from the lost and found!! and that cant be fun :p

Alecia - posted on 06/07/2011

i went to a school without uniforms...and definitely loved it that way. i can not ever remember a time that clothes were a problem at all. i loved being able to express myself and look different from others at school. i would prefer my children dont have to wear them either. i dnt feel like they actually solve any issues btwn kids. andy bullying in my school was certianly not because of what someone was wearing...it was because the bullys were just a bunch of assholes and liked to pick on ppl. thats going to happen no matter what unfortunately.

Karmela - posted on 06/02/2011

I think school uniforms would be a great thing!It would really solve alot of problems related to the issues we are having throughout public schools!

Jackie - posted on 05/12/2011

Yes people keep calling things uniforms on this post but are really just describing dress codes. A true uniform can NOT be purchased at any brand name or box store, or any chain store. They always come from one location - usually a local retailer and that is the ONLY place they can be purchased as the plaids/patterns are specific to that school - THAT is a uniform.

Constance - posted on 05/11/2011

I think that school uniforms are benifical for a coupl,e of reasons. 1) As kids get older the more they judge the way someone dresses and how much tey think they spend. Having school uniforms eliminates this probem everybody has to wear the same thing. 2) Dress code enforcement. It does help eliminate kids eaither being sent home fo clothing bein inappropriate or worse being suspended. I don't think someone should get suspended over clothing unless it continuesly is an issue. So if a school has a uniform policy it just eliminates issues with clothing. But even with that it should still be allowed for kids to express their independence with their looks. So accesories are a definant with school uniforms.

Jenn - posted on 05/09/2011

My child's uniforms are all from one location, Parker uniforms. They get about ten items to choose from and can wear any combination of those but no other uniform from Gap, Walmart, etc. Savvy schools know to keep their uniforms from one provider only.

Brittany - posted on 05/09/2011

There is no difference between uniforms and regular attire. It was not to long ago that I was in school. You can get school uniforms from Wal-Mart or you can get the same stuff at American Eagle (just one example). Kids notice the difference in the design, not to mention the American Eagle Logo. I have worked with many woman who have children in high school and they have told me that is their kid does not have that little Eagle on their shirts or pants then they get picked on for wearing Wal-Mart clothes. Kids and Teenagers are cruel beings. They also have been and always will be.

Jenn - posted on 05/09/2011

Kids can be individuals AND wear a uniform. I see it every day at my daughter's school! Uniforms are durable and long-lasting, so economically easier for every family. Girls and boys don't have to compete for ethe price tag and brand attached to them. They can express themselves in their shoes and accessories. School isn't a fashion show but it can quickly become one, especially for older kids, who can be so mean and judgemental. Social classification is a real problem in schools everywhere. Teachers don't have to worry about girls dressing inappropriately (have you SEEN what high school girls wear??) or boys wearing gang colors (gangs happen even in the best of schools!). School is five days a week, 7 hours a day. The kids are free to dress to their heart's content after that and it isn't the school's problem what that involves.

Stacey - posted on 04/21/2011

I loved it when my kids were able to go to a school that used uniforms. They were nice looking, affordable, sturdy and avoided the "fashion distraction" during school hours. They had plenty of time outside of school to wear whatever they liked and "express themselves". My husband is in the Army. He puts on his uniform proudly everyday. At the end of the day and on weekends, he wears his sweats, his jeans or whatever he wants just like all the soldiers do. It doesn't make him less of an individual but it DOES identify when he is on or off duty. I explained it to my kids the same way. When they are at school, they are "on duty". They have a job to perform--learning. Nothing wrong with that. I think it helps kids stay focused. I hope your son gets lots of great input from both sides of the discussion and gets an "A+" on his report!

Penny - posted on 04/21/2011

I think it is a good idea for school uniforms because alot of girls wears cloths that are way to peroactive and it just goes to show why so many young girls are getting pregent in school. their shorts are way to short for them to wear and nothing is done to them in school.It wouldnt be so bad if parents had more POWER over there children but because of the the welfare its HANDS OFF according to them. My parents would have paddled my butt it I wore cloths like that. Other children cant afford the new fasion so the get put down buy the bullies , so I believe in School Uniforms. Lets make them all wear the same thing!!!!

Sherri - posted on 04/19/2011

Great that you feel that way Toni, I happen not to feel the same way. Uniforms imo are HORRIBLE!!!

Toni - posted on 04/19/2011

School IS the kids job, we utilise uniforms in jobs for adults, it doesn't limit the individualism for those people, why should it limit the individualism for children. It encourages children to find other ways to be individual. Oh and I have never heard of a uniform where all the children have to have the same haircut - just clothes and maybe accesories (with guidelines for hair).

Sherri - posted on 04/19/2011

I wasn't talking about a job Toni. I was talking about making every single citizen the same in everyday life. You wouldn't and it would never be allowed. Same hair cuts, same clothing. Molding them into little clones of what you think everyone should look like.

I went to private school and had to wear a uniform. So I am aware of both sides of the coin. Public and private. I will choose individualism over little perfect clones any day of the week. Also having everyone wear the same clothes does not cut down on any bullying they just find another way in which to do it.

Toni - posted on 04/19/2011

Yes we do allow it in other parts of society - the forces, police, fire-fighters, ambulance crews, nurses, care home workers, postal workers, supermarket workers, even some bar staff and that is just off the top of my head, I'm sure I could think of many more!

Sherri - posted on 04/18/2011

Despise school uniforms. I feel that they try to make everyone the same, not allowing for children to be who they are.

We would never allow it in any other part of society why is it okay to do this too are children. Answer it isn't.

Jackie - posted on 04/18/2011

I completely agree that you can say your school has a dress code all you want...but I've seen kids walking out of MANY MANY different public schools and I promise you there is no dress code being enforced at those schools, whether they put on paper they have one or not.

Jodi - posted on 03/24/2011

Jane, I don't THINK it is supposed to be like that here, but that's how it has ended up.

But I am REALLY flexible with what my kids choose to wear outside school hours ( I very rarely interfere with their choice), so I figure that's a good balance.

Jane - posted on 03/24/2011

@Jodi - yep, I can understand. That is not the case in my kids school district. They are very strict with the whole no tummies, no cleavage, no short shorts, no string tank tops (regular ones are ok), no strapless anything. Boys for SURE cannot wear their pants to the ankles, etc. My kids are now 21 (she's a junior in college) and my son is 17...junior in high school and for the most part, these kids where I live are all "prepped" out (LOL). I might feel differently if there were problems so again, I understand!

Jodi - posted on 03/24/2011

See, that's the problem around here. The schools that DON'T require uniform, while they apparently have dress codes, the evidently don't have a strict one, because the way I see the student's dressed, I'm surprised half the girls aren't working the street corners. Sorry, but they look trashy, wearing short shorts, short skirts (and I'm talking, I can see your butt checks short), show their stomachs and a littl emore cleavage than I believe is appropriate, heavy make up. How on earth can a hormonal boy concentrate when that's staring him in the face? Seriously? Then there are the boys with their pants half way to their ankles.

So that is a big reason I am a fan of the uniforms at my kids' schools - because THAT is the alternative. No thanks.

Jane - posted on 03/24/2011

It's funny because I hear some say it's hard to find a school that DOESN'T require uniforms and where I live (Colorado), it's hard to find one that DOES. The Charter School in our district requires uniformity versus uniforms. They have to wear khaki pants or shorts (any brand) and wear polo shirts with two different colors as a choice but can be bought from anywhere so you still have kids wearing GAP versus Walmart and believe me, you can tell the difference. The rest of the schools are all regular clothing with rules. With that said, I don't see a dress code as any kind of uniform or uniformity at all because the choices are so diverse but you can't show belly or clevage and boys can't show underwear, i.e., wearing their damn pants below their crotch (lol - that drives me crazy...i just wanna walk up to them and pull their pants down) and no offensive statements on t-shirts...things like that.

Toni - posted on 03/24/2011

We have no chance of finding a public school here that doesn't have uniform, a few of the inner city schools have no uniforms but generally the vast majority of schools public and private wear uniform.

It seems to me those who are used to uniforms can see the positives and negatives of uniforms, whereas those who are used to not wearing uniforms can only really see the negatives which in reality are minor negatives.

Although thinking about it, a strict dress code is fairly similar to a uniform really, as the children are still being told what they can and can't wear.

Candi - posted on 03/24/2011

Its hard finding schools that do not have a uniform now. My son goes to the only Middle School in the city that doesn't require one. He is in the Highly Gifted Program there, so it shows uniforms don't make kids smarter. My daughter will be going there next yr b/c she also qualifies for that program. When my kids moved here from Texas, they were a little disappointed b/c the Elementary school required every child to tuck in their shirts. For the most part, it was ok, but then you get the kid with long shirts and then they try to tuck them in before school and they end up with a huge bulge in their pants. Now they have a new principal and she ended that rule, but they still have a dress code. One rule is no dresses or skirts in Kindergarten. The kids play on the playground and they don't want any embarassing moments for the little ones. As long as students follow rules, there is no need to make people dress in the most uncomfortable things. When I was in Middle School in South Carolina, we were not allowed to wear shorts to school. The humidity was terrible and by the time we got off the bus, our jeans would be stuck to us, but we followed the dress code and never had an issue. My kids are in 6th. 5th and Kindergarten and they have never given me trouble getting dressed in the mornings. My 5th grader is typical--skinny jeans of every color under the sun, shirts that match none of them, and socks that have never matched (been that way for years)! My 6th grader is a typical boy--he throws on whatever is clean. If he grabs a polo shirt first, thats what he wears, if he grabs a t-shirt, thats what he wears. My kindergartener wears whatever her mood is that day. If she doesn't feel well, her eyes turn a dark green, so she will wear a green shirt. If she is happy, her eyes are bright blue and she will wear something pink or purple! Other days she will throw on whatever she thinks is cute. I l ike that my kids have their own style. During my girls dance classes, my daughter is the only one in burgundy. All the other girls are in black, so she stands out. But she is also the only one with the correct tights on and hair in a bun. Anyway, I l ike being able to pick my child out from a crowd b/c I know what they wore to school that day. Just my rambling opinion.

Jane - posted on 03/24/2011

@Toni - I understand your point of view but for me, I think uniforms are ridiculous in a public school setting. If people want their kids to wear uniforms, then send them to a private or charter school where that is the norm. My kids went to amazing public schools and they had a very strict dress code with regards to pants hanging, underwear showing, low cut tops, etc. IF (and it was rare) someone violated the policy, they were sent home OR given a long t-shirt to cover up whatever the infraction was if they could not go home to change. Kids rarely violated the dress code.

For me, I love clothes and loved buying my kids the trendiest things. I never had fights with my kids on clothing...they always loved what I picked out. My 21 year old daughter STILL likes me picking out her clothing. Yes, they wear designer/name brand clothing and I enjoyed the way they looked and so did they. I loved watching them put together their outfits in the morning and getting themselves ready for the day. I would never send them to a school where uniforms were required so if peole like uniforms, then send the kid to a school where they are required.

Toni - posted on 03/24/2011

Jane I wore uniform from nursery school until the end of senior school and it never affected me being able to express my individual style, I ONLY wore my uniform at school so was able to express my style out of school hours - which I most certainly did :-)

Jane - posted on 03/23/2011

I've never liked the idea of school uniforms. I think being an individual with your own sense of style is an important part of growing up. I know the pro uniform folks say that it puts all kids on a level playing field so that some who don't have as much money as others don't feel badly about not having designer jeans or shoes but I dont think that teaches the reality of the world and causes kids to not know that there is economic diversity but money doesn't define the person.

Brittany - posted on 03/21/2011

I had a uniform while in private school. Every first friday of the month was free dress day. We got to wear what we wanted with in the normal guidelines of the dress code.

It made mornings easier. It was quick to get ready. We were also allowed to wear non uniform shorts under our skirts so that we didn't show our underwear while playing on the jungle gym.

The main downside was that they were expensive. Although you can also get uniforms at Macys and those are a lot less expensive. So I would think with a public shcool they would do either that with finacial aid for those who needed it or have a used uniform drive.

Desiree - posted on 03/21/2011

Hey I live in ZA and all schools private and government have school uniforms. The only problem I have with it is the price, They are very expensive.



But they do prevent a lot of problems, including which kids has more than which other kids.

Jodi - posted on 03/21/2011

meh, they just make it unflattering for everyone :P

Toni - posted on 03/20/2011

In the UK most schools require uniforms - they have to be worn so cannot be considered non-compulsory, but only school branded things have to be purchased from specific shops (sweatshirts, blazers, t-shirts, bags etc) the rest of the uniform (trousers, skirts, shirts etc) have to follow certain guidelines, the colour, length, type etc have to be correct for the school - they just don't have to be identical.

I can actually see this slightly looser form of uniform doing more to prevent bullying as every child can shop around for the best fitting items whereas in schools where everything has to be school issued if for example the skirt doesn't fit a girl very well or is in some unflattering she may be taunted for it.

Jackie - posted on 03/19/2011

Yes Jodi, that is exactly what I am referring to, and do I agree that no a dress code (or informal uniforms if you watn to call them that) will not stop the bullying over clothes, but full uniforms do.

Jodi - posted on 03/18/2011

Like Jackie, I would describe what Jenn is referring to as a dress code. Generally schools which require uniforms in Australia, it is a specific uniform available either from the school, or only one or two local stores set up specifically to sell local school uniforms. Otherwise, it is considered a *dress code* or a non-compulsory uniform. In fact, even things like hair ties, shoe style, back packs and coats are specified. And often, parts of the uniform have the school logo on them.

Toni - posted on 03/18/2011

Jackie, it is a uniform when all the children are required to wear a set standard of clothing - so that could be as simple as a pair of black trousers and a yellow t-shirt to as formal as having all the students wearing the exact same brand of clothing (purchased from specific stores).

The dictionary defines uniform as:

u·ni·form (yn-fôrm)
adj.
1. Always the same, as in character or degree; unvarying.
2. Conforming to one principle, standard, or rule; consistent.
3. Being the same as or consonant with another or others.
4. Unvaried in texture, color, or design.
n.
1. A distinctive outfit intended to identify those who wear it as members of a specific group.
2. One set of such an outfit.
tr.v. u·ni·formed, u·ni·form·ing, u·ni·forms
1. To make (something) uniform.
2. To provide or dress with a uniform.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/uniform

So yes uniform can be exactly the same but it doesn't have to be as long as it is a distinctive outfit intended to identify members of a group or in this instance a school!

Medic - posted on 03/18/2011

Dress code is like; skirts and shorts no more than 3 inches above knee, straps on shirts must be three finger withs wide, no offensive material on clothing, pants must be worn at waist, no under garmets should be visible, no flip flops. That is a dress code.

Jackie - posted on 03/18/2011

Where I live what you are referring to Jennifer would be called a dress code. Uniforms are a set plaid, and it's only available at uniform suppliers....when i speak to the usefulness of uniforms, that is what i am talking about.

Sally - posted on 03/18/2011

Our school has a dress uniform that must come from a specific uniform store. But for daily wear, we can buy from whoever we choose. As long it is khaki, hunter green & white. With the school approved sweater. So yes, it is still a uniform. Only our plaid must be bought from the uniform supplier.

Medic - posted on 03/18/2011

That is not how any of the schools are here. Its a color and style. Hince school uniforms. You are more than welcome to come explain that to all of the schools here both private and public that use uniforms.

Jackie - posted on 03/18/2011

That's what I mean Jennifer, you aren't talking about "true" uniforms then. A full blown uniform is a different pattern depending on what school you go to and they are only sold from 1-2 places, and they are not name brand.

Medic - posted on 03/18/2011

You can buy name brand uniforms. They just have to be a certain style. As long as what is bought is the right style you can buy them where ever you want. Walmart is the cheapest place then you can get them at the uniform store or you can go to Old Navy, Aeropostal, Ambercrombie, Hollister just to name a few and buy their name brand uniform style clothing. So YES you can get expensive uniforms.

Candi - posted on 03/18/2011

When I was in school, I was one of the poorer kids, but never got picked on for my clothes. I was picked on for being short, being skinny, having stringy long hair, having a southern accent, etc. Kids find things to pick on other kids for. My friend thought it was funny that I got picked on for being skinny b/c she got picked on for being fat. LOL

Jackie - posted on 03/18/2011

And I agree, uniforms will never fully remove what they are picking on each other about, but it IS one LESS thing they have to worry about.

Jackie - posted on 03/18/2011

@Jennifer, you can not buy brand name uniforms, a uniform is a uniform, there is only one that you can buy. You may be referring to dress codes, but a true uniform only comes in one brand, one style, one color/pattern, there are no options, everyone is wearing teh EXACT same thing. That's the point. And there are many schools that also limit the shoes to more than just a color. The school my daughter will go do requires 1 of 3 or 4 different pairs of solid black shoes...no options. So no, in a true uniform environment there is no difference.

Nikkole - posted on 03/17/2011

I myself would hate to wear uniforms i love picking out clothes i feel its a type of expression but i agree with th dress codes at schools! I know schools say well uniforms will cut back on bullying and kids getting made fun of abnd i don't agree with that kids will find SOMETHING they don't like about someone it doesn't matter if its the clothes,hair,shoes,looks or personality kids will still get made fun of! And plus you would have to buy uniforms for school and clothes for after school i wouldn't want to do that! My son wears character stuff he picks it out hes 3 and he will wear sponge bob stuff 24/7 if i let him and if i buy it hes gonna wear it but hes not really picky at all hes like his father he wears what i buy lol

Medic - posted on 03/17/2011

I agree with the no character clothes. We actually don't have any character toys either. I do not agree with uniforms because the idea that they will stop the poor from standing out is rediculous. You can buy name brand uniforms and they have the labels on them. Just as you can buy name brand white shoes or whatever color the shoes have to be. My neice has to wear uniforms and they still fight over cell phones and better binders and gadgets and what not. I also think they look rather silly.

Candi - posted on 03/17/2011

I agree about the characters on clothes. I hate that too. I refuse to buy clothes with any popular character on it. A few yrs back, my oldest daughter was crazy about Bobby Jack (the monkey) and she wanted him on everything, well someone bought her a Bobby Jack shirt(a nice one too) and within a yr she outgrew him, and refused to wear the shirt and my youngest daughter doesn't like him, so we ended up giving that shirt to the donation box. So I told my kids, No More Cartoon or Character clothes. Now they are old enough not to care about all that anyway

Sally - posted on 03/17/2011

My 4 year old is in a private preschool/gradeschool and uniforms are required. I had my doubts in the beginning but I now am fully on board. We tell our daughter that school is her work and everyone wears different clothes to work than they wear at home. I think it helps kids transition from play to school. One of the main things I like is that there are no characters to contend with. I hate cartoon characters on kids clothes. It is so nice to have school free of Dora, Mylie, Mickey,Cinderella, ect...... There are so many ways to personalize the uniform. I have found it to be a very positive experience.

Candi - posted on 03/17/2011

Thank you all for posting your opinions and for keeping it polite. I will add my opinion now :)
I really don't see the need in uniforms. Sure they may appear neater, but nothing will stop bullying. Heck, there is bullying going on in my son's Boy Scout troop where they all dress the same, so why would a uniform in school be any different? They are crazy expensive. For one child, its bearable, but I have 3. When we moved, my oldest daughter and I went to the store to try on uniforms in case her new school required them. She is a curvy kid, so every pair of shorts or pants I bought would have to be altered. These slacks are made for girls with no hips or backsides! My youngest would be ok in that aspect! The jumpers look like girl scout uniforms to me. My kids never give me problems getting dressed or deciding what to wear. They pick out jeans and a shirt and they are good to go. I am all for a dress code. We had one years and years ago when I was in school and nobody was ever sent home b/c they dressed inappropriately. We knew what was and wasn't allowed and that was ok. My friend in TX sends her kids to school on post and their uniforms are STRICT! Her daughter is super skinny, so all of her uniforms had to be taken in just to fit. If I bought uniforms for 3 kids, my clothing bill would be outrageous. They start off the year with a few new shorts and shirts, but they hit a growth spurt just when fall is hitting hard. It happens every single year! So I could buy the uniforms big and let them dress like a slob for a few months (which is not allowed), or look poor by tucking and halfway hemming(reason to bully) or buy uniforms, just to turn around and buy more part way through the year then again in the warm weather. And really, where else will they wear the uniforms?Test scores are no higher in schools that wear them. Alot of schools use uniforms, but have no restrictions on shoes, jackets, abd backpacks, so there will still be the kids will more money wearing their $200 shoes and designer handbags. Where my friends kids go in TX, they restrict everything. They have to wear solid white shoes, no coats, jackets or sweaters have to be solid white or pink, socks have to be white, backpacks have to be clear(that may have changed). My cousin posted a pic of her son and a group of his friends, all in uniforms,a nd honestly, I could not pick out her son. If I want my kids to wear uniforms, I would put them in private schools. All 3 of my kids are labeled Gifted and never had to wear a uniform, so the way they dress doesn't affect their grades in my opinion. Just random thoughts. Right now my kids are not in schools that require uniforms and they enjoy that. and I enjoy not fighting the mobs of uniform hunters before school starts.

Ashley - posted on 03/16/2011

I wish, It has never been an option for me and most likely wont be for my son as schools here just dont have uniforms and privet schools are all religious which im not interested in, There are suposibly dress codes if that means its ok to see a thong sticking out of some girls pants yuck. Anyway love the idea i HATE picking out cloths every morning, or night if im organized. And even if it was more expensive i would still want to do it.