The Benefits of Having a School Uniform
Are you or your child struggling to accept the dress code at your new school? Adapting to a specific school uniform can be an interesting transition for those who have never experienced it in the past. However, school uniforms are one of the keys ways to develop a sense of togetherness among both students and faculty in the school. This specific topic is widely debated amongst public and private schools; however, it is important to note the benefits of uniforms ranging from improved safety to social inclusivity.
Encourage Togetherness
When each student shows up to school wearing the same outfit, it levels the playing field. Uniforms can provide a sense of equality to people with various socioeconomic backgrounds. Without uniforms, students that come from a lower income background may not have the means to purchase all the latest styles and trends. By having a uniform dress code, students are unable to judge their peers based on apparel and a sense of community is born.
Reduce Potential for Bullying
Without uniforms, the potential for bullying is increased due to children teasing one another about their fashion choices. Since people typically use clothing to express themselves, there is a higher risk for a child to get teased compared to wearing a uniform. Unfortunately, when a child expresses themselves in a way different from the majority, they can be seen as an outcast. Wearing uniforms can actually bring people together instead of tearing them apart.
Easy Preparation for Students and Parents
Getting up early and preparing your child for school is difficult enough, so adding the aspect of picking out a new outfit each day can be time consuming and stressful. In the end, these chaotic mornings might take away from what is really important- your child’s education. Uniforms remove one more thing from the parental “to-do” list each morning.
Encourage Professionalism
It is believed that school uniforms contribute positively to a child’s behavior in school. Their uniform helps to develop an affinity with learning and create a positive association with their academics. In other words, they develop a sense of professionalism when they put on the uniform. It prepares them for the real world and a world where they will be encouraged to wake up and be productive each day.
Increased Safety
There are many reasons why school uniforms help to ensure safety measures. Since schools are so large and there are many more students than teachers, it is vital to impose safety protocols and guidelines. In a situation where a student wanders off campus or is at a far distance, it is much easier to recognize them while wearing a uniform. The same can be said for an out of school event or field trip; if the student is lost in the crowd, they can be easily spotted because of their uniform or can easily find their way back to the group.
Standardized Dress Code
At some public schools, enforcing a dress code can be difficult and take up a lot of time and energy away from the teacher. When a school adopts a uniform, it creates a fair and simple dress code that each student can easily abide by. The presence of a uniform can eliminate any issues around modesty, offensive symbols and text, and remove any need for teachers to monitor what students wear. In a similar sense, it reduces any distractions from school and from the teachers.
Even though the implementation of uniforms is still widely debated, it is important to know the positive benefits they can provide to students. At a school such as Saint Gregory’s, inclusivity is encouraged not only socially, but intellectually as well. Uniforms are simply another way to make students feel tied to our community.
