Should Students Have To Wear School Uniforms?
Story by Christen Gans. Photo from www.friendshipschools.org
JAN. 9, 2018: In most DC schools, uniforms are required. Many students believe that uniforms should not be required for many different reasons. In my opinion, I believe that students should have to wear uniforms and I’ll tell you why.
One of the main reasons schools require uniforms is because of bullying. If we all are dressed alike, students shouldn’t have a reason to bully other students because of what they have on. There are many teachers who can agree. Research by the Schoolwear Association found that 83% of teachers thought "a good school uniform could prevent bullying based on appearance or economic background."
Another reason I say school uniforms should be required is because it can save parents lots of money. Instead of buying clothes for each day of the year, parents can just buy seven shirts and seven pants. A national survey of 517 US school leaders found that 94% of those surveyed believe "one of the main benefits to parents is that school uniforms are more cost-effective than regular apparel," and 77% estimated the average annual cost of school uniforms per child to be $150 or less.
Lastly, I agree that uniforms should be required because it keeps the attention on schoolwork instead of how someone is dressed. If everyone is wearing the same uniform, nobody will look out of place and can focus on their classwork. A bulletin published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that "When all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how they look and how they fit in with their peers; thus, they can concentrate on their schoolwork."
In conclusion, I agree with schools having a uniform requirement because of bullying, having to spend less money and for children to pay more attention in class. What do you think? Should students have to wear uniforms? Leave your opinion in the comment section below.
Christen Gans is a 8th grade scholar at Friendship Tech Prep Academy.