WEARING OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

In Thailand, all public schools and by far the most private schools require some form of standardized clothing. In the Nordic countries, school uniforms are mostly not required and most parents have an attitude against uniforms.

However, in the US, the use of school uniforms increased from 12% during the 19992000 school year to 21% during the 2015-2016 school year, according to figures released in 2018 by the National Center for Education Statistics. The study also found that mandatory uniforms were more prevalent in schools serving lower income families than schools for middle to higher income families.

In the website www.britannica.com, an article lists the most frequently mentioned Pro and Con for school uniforms.

Pro

• School uniforms may deter crime and increase student safety outside of school.

• School uniforms keep students focused on their education, not their clothes.

• School uniforms create a level playing field among students, reducing peer pressure and bullying.

• Wearing uniforms enhances school pride, unity, and community spirit.

• School uniforms may improve attendance and discipline.

• Uniform policies save valuable class time because they are easier to enforce than a standard dress code.

• School uniforms prevent the display of gang colors and insignia.

• School uniforms make getting ready for school easier

• School uniforms can save parents money

Con

• School uniforms restrict students’ freedom of expression.

• School uniforms promote conformity over individuality.

• School uniforms do not stop bullying and may increase violent attacks.

• School uniforms do not improve attendance, academic preparedness, or exam results.

• School uniforms emphasize the socio-economic divisions they are supposed to eliminate.

• Students oppose school uniforms.

• Focusing on uniforms takes attention away from finding genuine solutions to problems in education.

• The push for school uniforms is driven by commercial interests rather than educational ones.

• School uniforms may delay the transition into adulthood.