School uniforms - Good or bad idea?

Question

I am in favour of school uniforms for children but I have noticed on some parenting groups (especially in the U.S.A.) some people get very hot under the collar about them.
I wore one,my boys did and now my grandsons do.My only concern these days is the teflon coating and I am trying to persaude my daughter-in-law not to have my grandsons wear such -

http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlxgkIkri3YBF6JaAzoVFSjh5gt.?qid=20070613233918AA2mofA

I mean proper standardised uniforms not "dress codes" that children can flout.
Dress codes should be set at home by *parents* but for those who won't the schools should be able to set uniform rules and enforce them by sending children home/making them change before attending classes.
I simply cannot believe how irresponsible some parents are and why they would complain about a school setting a sensible uniform in the interests of *all* children -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/2943874.stm

Sometimes I despair!

Well I agree that uniforms needn't be elaborate nor expensive and for those who really can't afford them guazzetto has the idea - the schools could provide them or the local authority could provide grants like they used to.
In fact the uniforms should be sold at the school in order to make sure that all children have the correct items and large stores do not profiteer out of the need for them and schools could run a swap shop too for those who do not have younger children to pass clothing down to (many schools here do just that).

And "Katie" : This is *NOT* "Yet another criticism of your daughter in law disguised as a question" it is a question that I wish to hear other's views on.
My only concern was over the teflon shorts and I buy many of my grandsons' uniform items anyway ro help out (including more expensive but non-chemically treated shorts).I also change them out of their uniforms when I fetch them home from school and would wash them too but when she comes to collect them she says that the clothes I have put them into are "old-fashioned" and insists on the boys changing back into their uniforms to walk home (even though the boys like wearing the clothes I have for them here).You don't know the half of it!
I'm sorry to everyone else but I can't write privately on this and shall defend my point of view - some seem to think that I shouldn't care about my grandsons and their health and welfare at all!

Mandy S - well it is interesting that you changed your mind - many children today will change their minds over issues such as school uniform when they become parents themselves too!

Did you *read* the article on underwear? - child safey experts say they send the wrong signals and are unhygeinic too - if the parents are so irresponsible it is the school's duty to step in.
I wore regulation underwear to school and the boys then did all wear plain white underpants - we even did P.E. in our underwear at primary school with no problems.
By the time my boys started school they had all sorts of fancy-patterned underpants (courtesy of my Mother who was conservative normally!)but I put out plain white briefs for them all on school mornings to save them arguing over who was wearing what colour etc.If the school had laid down regulation underpants like with all of the other items of uniform I would have been grateful as I could then have said it's the school rules and not been "mean"!

Another reply to "Katie" after her edit -

I am merely telling the truth in response to your verbal attacks.
If you allowed e-mail I'd fill you in on the details and then you'd change your tune.
As you don't I'm not going to carry on having to defend myself in this manner - say what you want *I* shall read the sensible answers and can rest assured that those who know me and the situation wouldn't be so rude and ignorant.

Answer 1

i agree with school uniform my girls go to a church school with a very strict uniform code the uniform is reasonably priced and very good quality i dont agree with the school having to provide uniform for those that cant afford it if you know you cant afford it dont send them to a school with uniform at our school parents donate uniform thats in good condition back to school so it can be sold to parents that cant afford uniform for a small donation this way even if they only pay a small amount for it they appreciate it more than if its just given uniform means that they all look the same so no kids are getting bullied because they cant afford fashionable clothes when our kids go out on school trips they all look smart and well presented

Answer 2

I have been to three high schools and I am in favour of no uniform. Two of the high schools I went to had uniforms, one was a public school the other a private.
In all honesty there was a "popular" group at both the schools with uniforms but luckily I haven't noticed that at the school without a uniform and strangely enough there is less segregation at the school without a uniform.
The first school I went to was often criticized for it's uniform, it was bright pink and I agree as many uniforms look terrible and unflattering. Also they can be very unpractical...who wants to wear a skirt when it's a freezing windy winters day.
The second school I went to had an incredibly expensive uniform, the hat cost $90! It did nothing to stop segregation, there was a lot of bullying and a definite popular group and unpopular group. When debates came up on the uniform topic they always assumed it would take ages every day to figure out what to wear but in reality it's only like that for a week until you just stop caring about what your going to wear each day.
My third school was the best, not having a uniform and allowing students to express themselves. Many of the students who go to my third schools are into art, drama and music and need to room for individuality and self expression. I don't believe in uniforms and it's good idea in theory but in practise it hasn't done anything for me in my personal experience.
Maybe for some people it might work, but not everybody can fit that mould.

Answer 3

I think this idea is dumb. I would never wear a uniform. I would either change schools or stop going to school. That is how much this means to me. It takes away from ones individuality. IT makes you just like everyone else. That is what we dont want. People care what others think of them, thats why you all want someone else to dictact what you wear. No one should be able to tell you what you can wear and what you cant. Its one more way for you to be controlled. What about the fact that poor kids wouldnt be able to afford uniforms? Most poor kids wear their school clothes as normal clothes too? Uniforms just cost them more money. Plus i am sure the uniforms would be uncompfotable to wear. Im guessing for a guy it would a slacks and a nice shirt. and maybe a tie. I cant wear stuff like that. Overall i think its a bad idea.

Answer 4

Do people realy think that a school uniform will keep kids from not knowing who are the haves and have nots.

These kids do not see each other outside of school?

Kids come from all different types of families, they realize this uniforms or not. I am sick of schools and some parents pandering to thier kids that everything is flowers and rainbows and everything in life is wrapped up nice and neatly like an episode of Full House.

Schools with uniforms have the exact same problems as schools without uniforms. Some schools just hide thier dirt better.

Answer 5

School uniforms are one of the best inventions ever. My children actually go to the school i used to go to, but when i was there, there was no uniform. The school didn't want one but the parents did. In the end the school gave in but the children that were there at the time got a say in the designs. They also decided to make sure everyone still had choice they have 2 colours to choose from and the kids can accessorise as they like (within reason) with bright socks, wrist bands, headbands etc, so everyone is happy and there is no bullying due to a family not being able to afford the latest fashion(which is what happened to me)

Answer 6

I am all in favour of school uniforms, not only do they ensure children are neat, they stop the competition among children for who has the best gear, they also help keep certain health & safety rules e.g. high shoes, large earrings. To say that it stops children having their own style is ridiculous, that is what out of school hours are for. When our children become adults and start work most organisations will have a dress code, if not a uniform that will have to be followed by employees anyway.
What I do not like about uniforms is school uniforms that cost an ‘arm and a leg’. When my daughter first went to secondary school to kit her out cost me between £200 and £300, as a single parent I really really struggled to pay this and probably only managed by my aunt offering to help out.
Surely schools should have an idea of what it is like for parents and could find a happy compromise.

Answer 7

Uniforms are a good idea, they help prevent bullying for a start.
My school uniform was a red jumper, white poloneck, simple black trousers and black shoes - for boys and girls.
It was really cheap to get (except a decent pair of shoes - £50!!!!) and it was comfortable to wear.
Uniforms dont need to be expensive blazers or make the kids look like idiots.
As for the teflon issue, do you use non stick pots and pans? The coating on them that makes them non stick wears away, and the only way it can wear away is in your food. In the amounts your talking about its not harmful.

Answer 8

Years ago when my son was in middle school, the school district researched the idea of school uniforms. At first I thought it might be a good idea. Saving money not having to buy the popular brands kids want to wear,i.e., expensive tennis shoes, etc. I worked at a city school at that time, and found many kids being beat up daily for their tennis, jackets, starter shirts, hats, etc. But then I thought about the expense. Not only would I have to fork out money for the uniforms, but Id still have to buy the other things as well, because what would they wear outside of school? The district finally settled on a "stricter dress code", which disallowed the wearing of cargo pants and backpacks (too many places to hide things), tees with writing on them, short-shorts and revealing tops for the girls, etc. They have a zero tolerance for any deviations to policy. And I agree, proper attire as well as discipline needs to begin in the home. I get tired of hearing the blame being put on the schools for things that should start in the home. Parents are ultimately responsible for their own children.

Answer 9

The uniform should be brought up to date.

Ie combat trousers have lots of pockets.


Note inter school gang fights mean uniform could be a problem.


As they get older a smart head teacher could allow more freedom in uniform to those who study well and put in effort and behave as a reward thus looking cooler.

Ie you get A grades, Look out for others you can have the green Spikey hair and the earing...

You misbehvae we get you wearing something really sad

Answer 10

I think schools should have uniforms up until age 16. I feel it promotes equality, all children wear the same so no need to worry about fashion, having the newest clothes or brand names. IT also stops kids wearing inappropraite clothing such as stupidly short skirts, revealing tops, horrible high heels etc.

I do however think uniforms need to be cheaper and should reflect culture eg: school coloured saris, headdresses etc!