The Problem with Dress Codes
Introduction
Dress codes and their place in school has long been debated, but I firmly believe that dressed not only fail to achieve what they set out to do, but that they actually cause more harm than good. Dress codes are used to try and prevent young children and teenagers from getting stimulated and distracted by those around of the opposite gender, but in in attempting this schools instead enforce rules of a sexist nature. People of certain body types and weights are also overtly affected by many dress code policies from different school. One of the biggest arguments for dress codes and uniforms is that they help to improve behavior and school performance, but there are many reasons why this is not true. Thus, it should be
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It is claimed that students spend less time worrying about social and economic standing with dress codes or uniforms and can instead focus on studies. But this argument doesn’t take into account that wealthier students can still wear expensive jewelry and watches, along with being able to consistent buy new uniforms when they start to get too old or short. This wouldn’t than still leave poor students noticeable as they would be lacking accessories, as well as wearing uniforms or cloths that are old and possibly getting to short (Moussalli, 2012). It is also argued that uniforms reduce bullying, but in fact when students go to school in ill-fitting or worn-down cloths they become an even bigger target for bullying, making it worse when the school sends them home for possibly coming to school without a uniform because they only have enough money for one and some had prevented them from being able to wear it (Sherwin, 2015). In the end, uniforms and dress codes too little to promote good behavior, and in some ways, may even increase
Dress codes will create a positive learning environment for kids. “Many educators believe that a dress code also promotes a positive educational environment.” (Wilder 1) “Dress codes will help to instill student discipline, helping to resist peer pressure, helping students concentrate on academics and aiding in recognition of intruders.” (Wilder 2). “Students reported there was an improved sense of belonging and tolerance when a dress code was implemented.”
Dress codes have become a typical affair for public schools. The weight of this matter only gets heavier with time, as fashion trends evolve with haste. Accordingly, the debate for and against dress codes still stands. This essay will summarize, make an argument, and analyze Krystal Miller 's article "School Dress Codes."
According to greatschools.org, “Enforcing a strict dress code can place the focus of school on clothing and rules, rather than on education.” Most schools have specific uniforms that a child must wear in order to attend. Many children that go to school, have single parents and / or more than one ...
Did you know that Americans spend around one billion dollars per year on school uniforms? At the beginning of every school year, families shop for weeks and weeks to find specific clothes that fit into a school’s strict uniform dress code. School uniforms should not be required in schools because they take away from the student’s freedom of expression, do not lower disciplinary problems, and do not prevent bullying based on economic status. Dress codes often have more of a negative impact than a positive impact when it comes to students being able to learn. Many people say that being in free dress is a distraction, when in reality, uniforms are more of a distraction.
Parents and their children are constantly arguing about the way students dress in school. This debate has become a national conversation which has been going on for more than a decade. However, there still hasn’t been a final resolution. The questions “Why do I have to wear the uniform today?” or “Can I wear this t-shirt because the color matches with my school t-shirt?” have become part of our everyday lives. Before we go any further, we have to understand the difference between uniforms and dress codes. A uniform is simply a garment worn that is the same in all cases and at all times. Whereas, a dress code is a set of rules regarding the required manner of clothing in a certain context. For instance, a school might not allow students to wear
Dress code enforces the modest dress of students, preventing bullying and distractions.Numerous people believe clothing is a distraction and when eliminated the school environment is more professional and gives a better education to a student. Authority figures consider the school apparel enforcements are constitutionally sound, not affecting the child’s right to freely express, and providing a professional and working setting causing a better learning environment and decreased amount of bullying due to clear differences in appearance. However, opposers disagree with the restrictive code because of its limitations on individuality
America’s school systems seem to have many issues concerning students receiving a quality education without distraction. A current debate argues weather a dress code policy is efficient or takes away from student’s expression. Administrators at schools should regulate a dress code policy because the system improves discipline and student’s attention, reduces social conflict and peer pressure related to appearance, and dress code provides a more serious learning environment.
Bullying is one of the principle reasons why students end up depressed and wind up endeavoring suicide. Harassment can be controlled to a significant level through wearing school uniforms. Students who can't manage the cost of costly designer clothes are frequently targets of bullies. There are a few students who don't give an excessive amount of significance on their dressing and are imprudent towards what they ought to and shouldn't wear to school. ‘Nerds’, as often referred, are likewise prime focuses of bullying. Uniforms raise the level of worthiness and diminish bullying significantly. Students in uniform feel more united.
We see stories Social media has more stories of girls being sent home because of dress code violations. Maybe the problem isn’t the students, but dress codes in general. Dress codes ultimately disrupt the pursuit of knowledge for the students, encourage gender bias, and can be dangerous. If we want the younger generations to succeed in the education system, we should utilize school uniforms. Uniforms in schools from elementary to high schools, will promote gender equality and facilitate student safety.
School Uniforms eliminate freedom of expression among children and teens in school whilst also supporting conformity over individuality. The First
By requiring school uniforms in public schools, education will be improved. A dress code will enforce discipline toward learning. Uniforms improve a person’s outlook toward success. Students generally act the way they are dressed. With fewer distractions, students see the school as a workplace for teaching and learning. Students also have less stress in their lives because they are not in a fashion competition. Dress codes also lead to a change in grades. Mainly this happens because the student’s attendance comes up. There is also a change in grades because it is easier to focus when everyone looks alike.
Choosing what to wear for the day. This is what most students are thinking about when they wake up. Students need the latest fashion in order to fit in, but some clothing may not be acceptable to wear in school. School dress codes are denying students their right to dress how they want, but the dress code is important for the students and their learning. Students are beginning to stand up and want to be heard. Some students are taking action and want the dress code to become less strict but some schools are doing the opposite for safety issues and for the students healthy learning environment. Dress codes are important for a strong and healthy learning environment and is also reducing violence in many schools around the country.
The potential benefits of school uniforms include decreasing violence and threat. Some instances involving designer clothing and expensive shoes have led to life-threating situations among students. Hannah Boyd says, “Now that kids are getting mugged for their designer clothes and expensive sneakers, school uniforms seem a safer alternative to many.” "It's tragic when young people without a balanced upbringing, without grounded values, without a secure education, wind up believing that it's all right to kill somebody for a pair of sneakers or jewelry or a designer jacket," Mr. Clinton said, citing recent incidents of violence by teen-agers. With school uniforms students won’t be getting mugged for their designer clothes and expensive sneakers because everyone’s wearing the same thing and won’t get jealous of what others have. Uniforms help rid of the bullies that want to beat someone up because they dress a certain way or because they don’t have what other people have. With uniform policies kids can’t get beat up or made fun of because of what they wear and the uniforms help build that confidence that kids who get beat up lack. ...
While dress codes are a necessity in schools to regulate what is and is not appropriate for the learning environment, the fact that they place blame on females for how they are treated because of their clothing is completely sexist and unfair. Hardly ever is a boy busted for wearing athletic shorts or bro-tanks when he should not be, but as soon as a girl wears leggings or shows her shoulders, she is persecuted and given punishment. This is about as unfair as school systems can be, and it also sends the message to girls that what they perceive as being cute and fashionable is perceived by others as “offensive” and that it is their fault for anything bad that happens to them. These ideas should be changed so girls do not have to feel guilty and boys can stop thinking that their behavior in these situations is acceptable.
An article in the Wall Street Journal reports that students are still being ridiculed for wearing the wrong clothes, and in fact, fashion-related bullying appears to be on the rise, according to Dorothy Espelage, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois. This evidence contradicts the opposing team's argument. Additionally, the opposing team claimed that they have never seen bullying based on brands in our school, but this assertion is easily refuted since we wear school uniforms at SIS. Therefore, it is evident that bullying based on clothing, including brands and inexpensive clothing, is still prevalent and increasing in frequency. As bullying is detrimental to a student's well-being, it is crucial to prevent it and promote healthy development by implementing school uniforms globally, particularly in Hong Kong.