The debate over whether school uniforms should be mandatory has persisted for a while. Traditionally, uniforms are commonly mandatory in private schools – an estimated 57% of private schools require school uniforms. However, in the past decade, school uniforms are being increasingly adopted by public schools, rising from 3% to approximately 20%.

Proponents of school uniforms argue that fashion distracts students from their classwork, causing lower standardized test scores. Further, school boards say uniforms can reduce unnecessary stress in students, resulting in mental health improvement.

However, mandatory school uniforms have several drawbacks. They can limit personal expression, impose potential financial burdens, fail to stop bullying and fail to improve academic performance.

Many students prefer to express themselves with clothing. Self-expression gives students a chance to develop their personalities and confidence. School uniforms contradict this idea, as they limit the freedom to be expressful with clothing. When students choose their own clothing, they are able to grow independent. If uniforms were to be mandatory, students will not have the opportunity to develop independence, an important skill for adulthood.

Additionally, uniform costs can create an unnecessary financial strains on low income families. Although some believe that school uniforms can help families save some money, costs can range from $100 to over $500 per student annually. Expensive private school uniforms can reach up to $1,000 dollars. In context, the minimum wage is approximately $15,080, and the national average rent is roughly $1,700 per month, suggesting that uniforms can create significant burdens.

To stop bullying, school boards suggest making school uniforms mandatory. However, uniforms do not necessarily stop bullying. Students can tease others based on factors such as body type, appearance, and socio-economic differences. Research has shown that institutions have not found substantial evidence to support the idea that uniforms significantly reduce bullying.

The intended reason for why many schools mandate school uniforms is to improve academic performance and test scores. However, this is being debated, since evidence suggests that uniforms do not necessarily enhance academic performance. Yet, data shows that school uniforms have little to none measurable impact on academic performance or standardized test scores.

Some may argue that uniforms can reduce peer pressure and mental health issues, but these problems can manifest in many other ways, including bullying and poor performance. On the other hand, a large majority of students – around 90% – say no to school uniforms.

To me, the best way to help students succeed is for schools to encourage them to express themselves.