The Positive and Negative Effects of School Uniforms on ...



The Positive and Negative Effects of School Uniforms on StudentsKrystin T. HarringtonFirst Colonial High SchoolAbstractThis paper’s purpose is to discuss reasons that would cause the implementation a school uniform. Furthermore, this paper will discuss the positive and negative effects that school uniforms have on students. Bullying, peer pressure, theft, and the fear of students wearing clothing with colors or symbols associated with gangs, or alcohol and drugs, are the main reasons that a school would have a mandatory uniform. School administrations implement uniforms with the hope that they will minimize distractions, promote school safety, maximize learning, and level the socio-economic status of students. However, these uniforms can take away students’ individuality and stifle their self-expression. They are also an unnecessary cost to parents who already have enough expenses; and they are not always effective. This paper will shed light on both positive and negative aspects of the effects of school uniforms on students, in an unbiased way. Keywords: positive, negative, implement, uniforms, studentsThe Positive and Negative Effects ofSchool Uniforms on StudentsThe amount of public schools with a mandatory uniform is higher now than it has ever been. Although the intent is usually harmless, the effects of school uniforms on students can be both positive and negative. Therefore, it is imperative for administrators to examine this topic from every possible angle. Causes of the Implementation of School UniformsThere are many reasons that would cause the implementation of a school-wide uniform. However, the main causes would be issues concerning bullying, peer pressure, and theft, as well as the fear of students wearing clothing with inappropriate colors or symbols. Uniforms are intended to alleviate these issues and to get rid of unnecessary distractions. The intent is always positive when it comes to making a decision about this topic. However, it is true that the effect could have either a positive or negative effect on the students. Many schools base their statistics and reasoning to implement a school uniform on a program run in Long Beach, California in 1995. Long Beach was overrun with gang violence, disciplinary issues, low attendance, and sexual assault. After a year with school uniforms, the overall crime rate dropped by 90%. However, this case took place 19 years ago. Many similar studies have been done since 1995, however none have shown the same, or even similar results (Statistic Brain, 2014).Positive Effects of School Uniforms on StudentsSome of the attire that students choose to wear to school can be immensely distracting to other students. Therefore, in order to minimize these distractions, administrators eliminate this provocative clothing. Another reason for these uniforms would be to promote school safety. When all students are dressed the same, it is easy to spot someone who is not wearing the uniform. Therefore, it is easier to spot an intruder, or a trespasser. In reality, school uniforms could prevent a dangerous situation, (OccupyTheory, 2014). Administrators also hope that these uniforms will maximize student learning. By focusing their attention on their academics, rather than their outfits or how they look, students are expected to perform at a higher level, (Chen, 2014). Also, uniforms are intended to level the socio-economic status of students. When everyone is wearing the same type of clothing, it does not matter what brand your clothes are or where they came from. This alleviated some of the stress students have from trying to fit in with what other students are wearing. Negative Effects of School Uniforms on Students“Clothing is an expression in and of itself. When everyone looks the same, they start acting the same, and you lose your sense of individuality”, Robert E. Blau, (Geddis, 2005). While there are many positive effects that come from school uniforms, there are just as many negative effects. Opponents to this idea, such as Robert E. Blau, raise the argument that uniforms take away students’ individuality. When everyone dresses the same, there is no way to visually distinguish one’s style from another’s. Another argument would be that the uniforms stifle their self-expression, (, 2014). In other words, they take away an individual’s choice and force them to conform to a standard way of dress. Furthermore, they are an unnecessary cost to parents who already have enough expenses. According to (Statistic Brain, 2014), school uniforms cost parents an average of $249 annually. For some families, this is an unwanted cost, because they already have enough, or too many, expenses. However, the most negative effect of school uniforms would be the fact that they are usually ineffective (OccupyTheory, 2014). After all of the trouble of implementing a school uniform, and all of the possible negative effects, it seems as though it could be a waste of time to implement a school uniform. ReferencesChen, G. (2014, April 24). Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons for Your Child. In Public School Review. Retrieved December 19, 2014.Geddis, C. (2005, March 1). School Uniforms Reduce Distractions, Aid Safety. In Education Week. Retrieved December 18, 2014.Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics. (2014, January 1). In OccupyTheory. Retrieved December 18, 2014.School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.Should Students Have to Wear School Uniforms? (2015, September 12). In . Retrieved December 19, 2014.TablesTable 1The Cost of School UniformsSchool Uniform StatisticsDataPercent of all public and private schools that have a uniform policy23%Annual school uniform sales$1,300,000,000Average annual cost to parents for school uniforms$249School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.Notes: As shown above, schools make quite a lot of money from school uniforms, while parents loose an average of $249 annually. For parents unable to make ends meet each month, this could be an unnecessary and unwanted extra expense. Table 2Parents’ Reactions to School UniformsSurvey QuestionParentsTeachersPolicy has hindered self-expression and creativity34%5%Policy has hindered individual student’s personal liberty36%0%Has promoted a sense of security41%86%Has increased school pride and has created a sense of community42%80%The school uniform has been financially beneficial for my household49%86%Has addressed the peer pressure issue of "fitting in" by wearing specific brands47%90%Has promoted positive student behavior37%95%Policy has minimized disruption and distractions38%81%Has eliminated competition among students36%52%School uniforms have improved the learning environment35%81%The Board should extend the school uniform policy indefinitely42%81%School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.Notes: This was a survey taken of Parents and Teachers regarding the implemented use of school uniforms. The percent represents those who marked "Agree" or "Strongly Agree". As these statistics show, parents are not as happy about the idea of school uniforms as teachers are. This table clearly shows the two vastly different reactions to this idea. The teachers do not seem to recognize any of the negative aspects, while the parents seem to be on the fence.FiguresFigure 1Top U.S. Cities Requiring Uniforms in Public SchoolsPros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics. (2014 , January 1). In OccupyTheory. Retrieved December 18, 2014.Figure 1. This figure illustrates the fact that uniforms in public schools are on the rise. They are more prominent than they were in the past. This figure has the six cities in the United States that have the most public schools with mandatory uniforms. ................
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