Stifling uniformity: debating school wear

School uniforms are something our institutions inherited from this country’s British colonial past, but are they helping or hindering students and their parents? The SA Jewish Report recently put this hot topic to Jewish parents on Facebook, and opinions rained forth.

Most felt that uniforms were needed to prevent the bullying of those who came from less affluent backgrounds. However, a majority felt that the uniforms at our current Jewish schools don’t fit the needs of students today.

Many complained that they were expensive, uncomfortable, and inappropriate for growing bodies and extreme weather. They said girls especially were disadvantaged by current uniforms.

A number of parents pointed out that using uniforms to stop bullying is like putting a “plaster” on a much bigger problem. “If kids are competitive, it will happen whether they wear uniforms or not,” said one mother. “If we want competition to end, the whole system has to change. School uniforms are stifling, and children have different shapes and needs and may be self-conscious about certain things that a uniform highlights. For me as someone with SPD [sensory processing disorder], uniforms were a nightmare and an obstacle to learning.”

Another mother agreed, saying, “If it’s the uniform that’s controlling the nasty competition, then we have a bigger problem than the uniform one.”

A single mother said she would prefer her kids not to wear uniforms. “I can barely make school fees, and uniforms are so expensive and really outdated. As for bullying and uniforms being an equaliser, the kids that make remarks do so anyway. The children that operate from kindness and inclusion do so anyway. A uniform doesn’t change human behaviour. It’s a complete myth.

“I’m not sure that full civvies are an option,” she said. “However, standard blue jeans would be great with a t-shirt. At least we could get affordable clothing and they could be used for casual wear.”

Many parents, especially those of boys, feel that white shirts and light colours are impractical as they get dirty easily. Parents of young girls feel that uniforms hinder their children.

“Girls and boys should be able to wear exactly the same thing, and make it simple, comfy shorts and a t-shirt for summer, long sleeve t-shirt and track pants with a sweater for warmth for winter, and trainers. Current uniforms are impractical and expensive. My seven-year-old loves (and needs) to do handstands (a lot), but she doesn’t dare do them at school in her skirt,” a parent said.

One father said, “In primary school, girls feel unable to play freely because skirts come up and boys tease them. This is even worse in high school. Boys play rugby and soccer at break and girls are expected to sit quietly with their legs together because running around the field in skirts is too revealing. Even at 15, my daughter complained about how boring break was because of their uniforms.”

Another mother pointed out that children endure “see-through shirts for girls who are heading toward puberty, slits at the back of primary school skirts, and badly-fitted, unflattering cuts across the board. Skorts make more sense for younger girls climbing, running and jumping – as they should.”

Mothers in other countries shared their experiences. “My kids are high schoolers in America. They wore uniforms at middle and elementary school, but not high school. The high schools have dress codes so you can’t just wear anything. My kids (boy and girl) don’t stress about what to wear. They have school clothes. It’s awesome in that it allows kids to express their individuality and they’re treated more like adults. Dressing like adults and being treated like adults makes the kids behave more like adults. I must say I was worried about it, but it’s worked out well. The kids love it, and we would have bought these clothes to wear outside school anyway.”

In Israel, a mother who recently made aliya said, “The local school has a badge and kids can wear any colour t-shirts with the school badge printed on it. Shorts, pants, and skirts, it can be anything. Also sweatshirts or jackets can be printed with the school badge, but this isn’t compulsory. The shops seem to run specials to get five t-shirts for 85 shekels, and can print the badge on it there, included in the price. It’s much more affordable than uniforms in South Africa.”

Educator Joseph Gerassi supports the idea of standardised school uniforms, but believes it’s time to move towards a unisex uniform that includes loose and breathable fabrics. The uniforms should be available at a variety of stores, ensure the best fit, and incorporate a capsule-style wardrobe comprising a number of options so students have some form of freedom of expression.

A grandmother in the community said, “Uniforms make children feel special when they start school and thereafter. It creates a sense of belonging. I clearly remember a friend who emigrated to America and then returned to Cape Town after a year or so. She said at the time the ‘worst’ thing about her daughter’s morning school routine in America was the fight she had with her about what to wear. She also expressed what a relief it was when she returned to Cape Town and her daughter knew exactly what she would wear every morning. So don’t throw the baby out with the bath water just yet.”

A former teacher pointed out, “Most adults aren’t required to wear a uniform to work. They dress to suit their comfort levels according to the weather. Kids deserve to regulate their body temperature, and uniforms can have a range of choices.” She believes “season-based uniforms” are outdated, especially with climate change. “Pockets are helpful for students, especially for girls who need to carry sanitary items to bathrooms. The most important item in my opinion is a choice of hat for all students. It should protect the ears and the back of the neck.

“Gender and identity issues abound in society today,” she said. “Give choice to students who are ‘seeking’ [their identities] and feel more comfortable in pants. Talk to students – what would they like to wear? Do they feel that a uniform is the only way to represent a school? What do parents want? Most would probably like something comfortable, presentable, and convenient to wash and dry, plus something affordable.”