Running Head: THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

The Positive and Negative Effects of

School Uniforms on Students
Krystin T. Harrington
First Colonial High School

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Abstract
This papers purpose is to discuss reasons that would cause the implementation a school uniform.
Furthermore, this paper will discuss the positive and negative effects that school uniforms have
on students. Bullying, peer pressure, theft, and the fear of students wearing clothing with colors
or symbols associated with gangs, or alcohol and drugs, are the main reasons that a school would
have a mandatory uniform. School administrations implement uniforms with the hope that they
will minimize distractions, promote school safety, maximize learning, and level the socioeconomic status of students. However, these uniforms can take away students individuality and
stifle their self-expression. They are also an unnecessary cost to parents who already have
enough expenses; and they are not always effective. This paper will shed light on both positive
and negative aspects of the effects of school uniforms on students, in an unbiased way.
Keywords: positive, negative, implement, uniforms, students

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

The Positive and Negative Effects of
School Uniforms on Students
The amount of public schools with a mandatory uniform is higher now than it has ever
been. Although the intent is usually harmless, the effects of school uniforms on students can be
both positive and negative. Therefore, it is imperative for administrators to examine this topic
from every possible angle.
Causes of the Implementation of School Uniforms
There are many reasons that would cause the implementation of a school-wide uniform.
However, the main causes would be issues concerning bullying, peer pressure, and theft, as well
as the fear of students wearing clothing with inappropriate colors or symbols. Uniforms are
intended to alleviate these issues and to get rid of unnecessary distractions. The intent is always
positive when it comes to making a decision about this topic. However, it is true that the effect
could have either a positive or negative effect on the students.
Many schools base their statistics and reasoning to implement a school uniform on a
program run in Long Beach, California in 1995. Long Beach was overrun with gang violence,
disciplinary issues, low attendance, and sexual assault. After a year with school uniforms, the
overall crime rate dropped by 90%. However, this case took place 19 years ago. Many similar
studies have been done since 1995, however none have shown the same, or even similar results
(Statistic Brain, 2014).
Positive Effects of School Uniforms on Students
Some of the attire that students choose to wear to school can be immensely distracting to
other students. Therefore, in order to minimize these distractions, administrators eliminate this
provocative clothing. Another reason for these uniforms would be to promote school safety.

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

When all students are dressed the same, it is easy to spot someone who is not wearing the
uniform. Therefore, it is easier to spot an intruder, or a trespasser. In reality, school uniforms
could prevent a dangerous situation, (OccupyTheory, 2014). Administrators also hope that these
uniforms will maximize student learning. By focusing their attention on their academics, rather
than their outfits or how they look, students are expected to perform at a higher level, (Chen,
2014). Also, uniforms are intended to level the socio-economic status of students. When
everyone is wearing the same type of clothing, it does not matter what brand your clothes are or
where they came from. This alleviated some of the stress students have from trying to fit in with
what other students are wearing.
Negative Effects of School Uniforms on Students
Clothing is an expression in and of itself. When everyone looks the same, they start
acting the same, and you lose your sense of individuality, Robert E. Blau, (Geddis, 2005).
While there are many positive effects that come from school uniforms, there are just as many
negative effects. Opponents to this idea, such as Robert E. Blau, raise the argument that uniforms
take away students individuality. When everyone dresses the same, there is no way to visually
distinguish ones style from anothers. Another argument would be that the uniforms stifle their
self-expression, (ProCon.org, 2014). In other words, they take away an individuals choice and
force them to conform to a standard way of dress. Furthermore, they are an unnecessary cost to
parents who already have enough expenses. According to (Statistic Brain, 2014), school
uniforms cost parents an average of $249 annually. For some families, this is an unwanted cost,
because they already have enough, or too many, expenses. However, the most negative effect of
school uniforms would be the fact that they are usually ineffective (OccupyTheory, 2014). After

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

all of the trouble of implementing a school uniform, and all of the possible negative effects, it
seems as though it could be a waste of time to implement a school uniform.

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

References
Chen, G. (2014, April 24). Public School Uniforms: The Pros and Cons for Your Child. In Public
School Review. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
Geddis, C. (2005, March 1). School Uniforms Reduce Distractions, Aid Safety. In Education
Week. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics. (2014, January 1). In OccupyTheory. Retrieved
December 18, 2014.
School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
Should Students Have to Wear School Uniforms? (2015, September 12). In ProCon.org.
Retrieved December 19, 2014.

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Tables
Table 1
The Cost of School Uniforms
School Uniform Statistics
Percent of all public and private schools that have

Data
23%

a uniform policy
Annual school uniform sales
Average annual cost to parents for school

$1,300,000,000
$249

uniforms

School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
Notes: As shown above, schools make quite a lot of money from school uniforms, while parents
loose an average of $249 annually. For parents unable to make ends meet each month, this could
be an unnecessary and unwanted extra expense.

Table 2
Parents Reactions to School Uniforms
Survey Question

Parents

Teachers

34%

5%

36%

0%

41%

86%

Policy has hindered self-expression and creativity

Policy has hindered individual students personal liberty
Has promoted a sense of security

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Has increased school pride and has created a sense of

42%

80%

49%

86%

47%

90%

37%

95%

38%

81%

36%

52%

35%

81%

42%

81%

community
The school uniform has been financially beneficial for
my household
Has addressed the peer pressure issue of "fitting in" by
wearing specific brands
Has promoted positive student behavior
Policy has minimized disruption and distractions
Has eliminated competition among students
School uniforms have improved the learning
environment
The Board should extend the school uniform policy
indefinitely

School Uniform Statistics. (2014, July 11). In Statistic Brain. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
Notes: This was a survey taken of Parents and Teachers regarding the implemented use of school
uniforms. The percent represents those who marked "Agree" or "Strongly Agree". As these
statistics show, parents are not as happy about the idea of school uniforms as teachers are. This
table clearly shows the two vastly different reactions to this idea. The teachers do not seem to
recognize any of the negative aspects, while the parents seem to be on the fence.

THE EFFECTS OF SCHOOL UNIFORMS

Figures
Figure 1
Top U.S. Cities Requiring Uniforms in Public Schools

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%

Percent of Schools That Require a School Uniform in Each State

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
New Orleans

Cleveland

Chicago

Boston

Miami

Cincinnati

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms Statistics. (2014 , January 1). In OccupyTheory. Retrieved
December 18, 2014.
Figure 1. This figure illustrates the fact that uniforms in public schools are on the rise. They are
more prominent than they were in the past. This figure has the six cities in the United States that
have the most public schools with mandatory uniforms.