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I Had Or Have To Wear A School Uniform

Parents in the UK are being ripped-off by being forced to buy over-priced, often poor quality, school uniforms from schools or school approved suppliers. Some impoverished families have to choose between buying food or buying a school uniform - so their children can make use of a, so-called, "free" public service.

This is an intolerable state of affairs that must not be allowed to continue. I implore all UK citizens to sign the petition to abolish school uniforms once and for all.

The petition is here -
you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/end-and-permanently-abolish-school-uniforms-in-the-united-kingdom

Other countries manage very well, in most cases better, without school uniforms, there's no reason the UK shouldn't do just as well.

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Wendy · 51-55, F

While I don't disagree with you on most of what you said, there is something to be said for a school uniform. You mentioned the poor impoverished families, well what about the bullying their children would receive because their clothing isn't the latest fashion, or that it is cheap clothing, or whatever other reason the bullies use. If the uniform isn't a requirement you open those children up to this possible treatment.

I do agree that the approved suppliers are usually not great and overpriced, as well as the sheer amount of clothing needed to buy pushing that cost up even more (as well as anything else that is needed). I think something should be done about that issue instead and the uniform vs no uniform debate left to the individual schools or put up for vote with the parents of that school.

Sharon · F

@Wendy What would you call shunning a child and refusing to let him/her take part in group activies because his/her parent couldn't afford the "right" clothes? I'd call it bullying and that's exactly what happens to students of impoverished families who can't afford the overpriced uniforms - only in this case the teachers are the bullies.

If a school genuinely considers a uniform is necessary, it should be provided free of charge to parents, paid for out of the school's funds just the same as other educational aids are supposed to be. Alternatively, a cheaper solution would be to kick out the incompetent teachers and replace them with some like those in the rest of Europe, who can provide an excellent education notwithstanding their students do not wear a uniform.

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon I do believe I did say "something should be done about that issue instead" referring to the approved suppliers. I also stated that I agree with most of what rob19 said.

Yes, I agree they should be supplied either free of charge or that help should be given towards that cost for families that need it, but I was simply giving an argument for both sides.

Sharon · F

@Wendy My main point was that your argument in favour is equally an argument against. The only difference is the identity of the potential bullies - other students or the teachers.

What is the difference between a group of students refusing to allow another student to associate with them, because he or she doesn't have the "right" clothes, and a teacher putting a child in isolation for that same reason?

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon I dont dispute that, maybe you missed my point that was simply that there is an argument for and against school uniforms. A point I was making purely because the OP was dismissing any argument 'for' and only focusing on 'against'

Sharon · F

@Wendy As I said, your argument "for" is equally an argument "against" so it negates itself. Your attempt to protect them from possible bullying (there's no evidence to show such bullying would occur) ensures they are bullied by even bigger bullies - teachers!

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon actually there is plenty of evidence of children bullying other children for what they wear, as well as for lots of things. Also I expect that the kids will bully them in a far nastier way than a teacher could ever get away with.

but I get it, you just want to argue.. your point is best, I'm wrong, whatever.

Sharon · F

@Wendy Now you're being childish. You had me fooled at first, I thought I was debating with an adult.

Bullies will always try to find some reason for their actions, that's true whether they'restudents or teacher. Schools in other countries don't have these problems to the same extent as schools in the UK but, in other countries schools treat their students with respect. UK schools should try doing the same.

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon I cant say anything about schools in other countries as I don't know much about the education system outside of the UK, but I don't think you will ever get rid of bullying completely. Perhaps the bullying in other countries isn't to the same degree as we have, but I bet they do have some.

I wasn't actually trying to debate anything, I made a point, and since than all I have done is stand up for that point. I have even agreed with most of what you and the OP have said. However you have attacked pretty much everything I have said regardless.

Sharon · F

@Wendy I've travelled on business to several European countries. Matters of education often come up in conversation. There is some bullying in all schools but not to the degree it seems to be in the UK. I believe a lot of it comes from students' taking cues from their teachers.

I haven't attacked what you've said, all I've done is to point out that your argument works both ways. Isolating a child because his or her shirt doesn't have the right fashion logo is no different from doing it because his or her shirt doesn't have the school logo.

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon yet even when I agreed with you about that you still carried on

Sharon · F

@Wendy Maybe I misunderstood but it appeared to me that you had overlooked bullying by teachers when parents couldn't afford the overpriced uniforms.

Wendy · 51-55, F

@Sharon no, I simply see it that there could be bullying on both sides, neither of which is good.