The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

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School Uniforms: A More Positive or Negative Effect?

Today, school uniforms and dress codes are controversial. School uniforms for high school students have numerous positive effects, but at the same time, they have a variety of unknown negative effects too. School uniforms positive effects are shown through attendance records, academics, and behavior; but its negative effects violates ones individuality and increases the amount of money spent on clothes.

School uniforms have positive effects like rising attendance records, inclining grades, and decreased behavioral problems. Since 1994, school systems in Long Beach, California have required school uniforms. Attendance rates have been rising and fighting has dropped by more than half. Crime and suspensions declined by approximately one third too. School uniforms reduces the wearing of gang related clothes and helps some students concentrate more on academics instead of on clothes, which in turn, increases grades. However, school uniforms have negative effects too.

A huge negative effect of school uniforms is that they infringe ones’ individuality. High school is a time when students begin to develop their own sense of personal style, desperately trying to both stand out and fit in simultaneously. By being self-conscious and often lacking the confidence needed to assert themselves, teens are forced to use clothing and their outward appearance to manifest their individuality. By not being able to express teenagers act out in other ways. School uniforms also reduce ones ability to choose clothing that fits individual comfort needs. Above all, school uniforms even go against the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, which is about establishment of religion and free speech.

School uniforms are affecting the amount of money spent on clothing in a negative way. Many people think parents/guardians are saving money, but really, they are just spending more money. If one were to think about it, school uniforms can’t be worn outside of school. Why would someone want to spend $300 on school uniforms, and then have to spend $200 on clothes worn outside of school?

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