Pros and Cons About Middle School Kids Uniforms

In recent years there has been great debate over introducing uniforms in middle schools. In the United States, less than half of all public schools use formal school uniforms, but it is important to note that uniform usage is on the rise. Because of this, examining the pros and cons of school uniforms is necessary to determine if a standardized dress code is a good fit for a school.

Pros:

• During middle school, children become more self-conscious over their appearances and what they wear. Oftentimes, other children pick up on this and tease another child over their clothing choices. School uniforms could eliminate the insecurities that children feel over their wardrobes and prevent harassment over style choices.   


• School clothing can become very expensive as name brands and ever-changing styles become popular. Parents often feel burdened by financial requirements to keep their kids “hip” and other children whose parents can’t afford popular wardrobes often feel isolated. Uniforms can reduce the need for frequent trips to the mall to buy high-priced clothing that children may only wear two or three times.


• Some children make outward judgmental appearances and decide just by looking at someone that they won’t like them due to what they are wearing. If they see a child wearing gothic-style clothing, they may automatically decide that they have a certain personality that they won’t like based on their appearance. School uniforms could reduce the frequency at which children judge other children on their wardrobe choices.  This may possibly eliminate prejudices and allow children to make more varied friendships.

Cons:

• Embarking upon their teen years, many middle school children are trying to establish an identity for themselves. This is often done through clothing choice. With the advent of school uniforms, this opportunity is lost. When everyone looks the same, it is hard for a child to gain a sense of freedom of self-expression.


• While school uniforms may save money for those shopping at high-end boutiques and purchasing name brand merchandise, those who are forced to shop at thrift stores and second hand clothing stores may feel a financial burden to purchase school uniforms.  As some uniforms can be very extravagant and may require standardized shoes, pants, shirts and overcoats, they can become very pricey for the ever growing middle school aged child.


• Comfort can be a factor when selecting clothing. Many children are very self-conscious of their bodies and may wear a certain style to cover up. School uniforms may force a girl into a skirt who doesn’t feel comfortable showing her legs or a boy into an outfit that doesn’t hide his bulky frame.