Dress Code in Schools -

Dress code in schools - Parents

The dress code in schools is something that divides the opinions of parents across the country. Some see them as helpful and others see them as intrusive and problematic, but most agree that some type of dress code is necessary to keep their children from being exposed to inappropriate and distracting clothing in the school environment. But how much is too much? In today's global and rapidly-changing society, children need a tighter rein at school than most administrators are giving them. They are not yet adults, and they are not able to make the same kinds of responsible choices as those adults, so it is up to the schools to keep them safe while they are in their care. Certainly not all children are the same and some make much better and more adult choices than others, even at a very young age. Despite this, making an exception for one child means that the schools would have to make an exception for others, and this would cause a problem that would not be easy to solve. Where do the exceptions stop, and why? This is why dress codes must be put into place and enforced for all children, regardless of maturity level for their age or the socioeconomic status of their parents.

The strictness of the dress code that a school has is often called into question as well, because it is the opinion of some parents that the freedom of their children - and what they can afford to purchase for them - is being severely restricted. There are many options that are still available, though, and a lot of clothing is out there that does not violate the dress code. Keeping children safe and protected while they are in school is far more important than whether they are allowed to wear something that is 'cool.' Peer pressure is certainly a concern, but if all children are restricted to specific styles of dress there will not be a problem with children being teased because they are not wearing the latest fashion. Simply avoiding clothing without pictures or writing on it and avoiding clothing that exposes a lot of skin is the way to get around any dress code concerns and restrictions that might otherwise be a problem.

Money for clothing is also a concern for many parents today because the economy is struggling, and that has put people who otherwise would have enough money into situations where they must shop at discount stores and thrift stores. There are programs that can help these parents get clothing for their children if needed, and there are many ways to save on school clothes. A lot of stores are offering sales, and knowing what is needed for the dress code before going shopping for school clothes is important to ensuring that all clothing purchased can be worn. The school has a responsibility to get that information to parents, but parents should also be proactive and ask the school about the dress code - get that information before shopping and students will not be sent home or criticized for inappropriate clothing.

Dress Code in Schools -- Students

Everyone wants to be in style, and peer pressure is something that we all experience, but there are times when you have to stand up and say no to something that you know is wrong - like gangs and violence. It might not be easy for you, especially if you are growing up in a neighborhood where you see it all the time, but you can rise above that, and one of the ways you can do this is by showing your support for your school's dress code. It might really seem lame, but dress codes are there for a reason - to protect you. You probably don't think you need protecting, but what about your younger brothers or sisters? Do they need protecting? You can't be around them 24 hours a day to keep them safe, but you can let the school help you do that so you don't have to worry so much about that. There will always be people who belong to gangs and people who want to cause trouble, but if they don't recognize each other in school based on their clothing, they won't be as likely to fight and cause trouble. You don't want to accidently wear something that gets misinterpreted as a gang symbol, either, or you or your family could be a target for violence!

There's no question that dress codes are restrictive. It makes sense that you want to wear the things that you like and the things that you see your friends are wearing - but being safe is a lot more important than looking cool. You can wear whatever you like on the weekends and when you get home from school during the week you can change into what you like to wear, but you need to think of school differently. it's like a job, where you have to follow the rules that your boss (the principal) has so that you can get paid (get an education). If you do things the boss's way, you'll benefit a lot more in the long run. You're not really in school that long - although sometimes it probably feels like forever - and when you're not there you can do things your way.