School Uniforms

Wearing uniforms to school has many benefits for kids, parents and teachers. Kids are in school to get an education and the daily fashion contest detracts from that. Wearing uniforms increases kids' attention in class because the most important thing is no longer what others are or are not wearing. A level playing field is created that puts the focus on learning. Kids are no longer judged for things they can not control, and they feel emotionally safer so they can concentrate on what is important. Uniforms lead to less theft and less intimidation from gang attire, and teachers spend less time being the "dress code police."

It is, however, not all one-sided. When they graduate from school, kids will suddenly be thrust into a world where dressing for success is important. They will have missed the experience of figuring out what looks good and how to make mature choices about it. They will have missed that part of growing up.

The uniform decision is something that should involve both students and parents. It will be more successful and more humane if it is thought of as "something that we do for ourselves" rather than "something that we are forced to do." Uniforms are an effective education enhancer if everyone buys into it and does not resent it.