School Uniforms

Nowadays, one of the most commonly discussed topic amongst students are school uniforms. In some countries like for example, Great Britain, uniforms are customary and a part of their tradition. In others, like Croatia, they are a matter of polemic. While they bring equality to schools, they also deprive children of their right to express themselves. Should children wear uniforms or not? Both views are there to be discussed.

To begin with, one of the advantages to wearing school uniforms is keeping the students focused on their education rather than their clothes. Moreover, researches have shown that once students are all wearing the same outfit they are less concerned with how they look and how they fit in with their peers and thus can concentrate on their schoolwork. Furthermore, uniforms can save money. Many teens ask their parents to buy them expensive and designer clothes just so they could fit in with the popular cliques. Uniforms would eliminate this problem consequently making everyone equal and diminishing the social and financial differences.

On the other hand, opponents of this opinion emphasise that school uniforms take away child's freedom of expression and individuality. Allowing students to choose their clothing is an empowering message that they are maturing persons entitled to the most basic self-determination.In addition, uniforms in many schools still require girls to wear skirts. As can be expected, not all girls are comfortable with having to wear a skirt and therefore should not be required to do so. Above all, it is important for students to be as comfortable as possible and no uniform will ever be able to provide that comfort for everyone.

To sum up, wearing uniforms has its advantages when it comes to equality and keeping the students focused on their education. Despite these statements, it also takes away one's ability to freely express his individuality and can make students feel uncomfortable. In my modest opinion uniforms are a useful addition to schools. They minimise discrimination and bring out what is really important, and that is learning.

Franka Terzić, 2.b