When I was in high school there was always talk of implementing a dress code. The kids would get into an uproar for a short period of time, but eventually it would blow over. I, myself, was dead set against forcing students to dress in what was thought to be "appropriate" school attire; however, several years after graduating high school and incidents such as the Columbine High School murders, my opinion has changed. School uniforms should be brought into use to help set a positive attitude, provide a cost-effective alternative for parents, and to insure equality among students.
Students need to have a positive attitude in every aspect of their lives. Often the way one feels reflects in the way they dress. If someone goes into school wearing dirty or unpresentable clothes, their attitude may also be unpresentable. Conversely, if a student was dressed neatly and in a more professional manner, he may tend to act that way. Wearing a dress up shirt and pants or a skirt may help students to present a better and more positive self-image and attitude.
Having students wear uniforms would also provide a cost-effective alternative for parents. Not all parents can afford to buy brand names for their children. This should help decrease violence and theft -- even life-threatening situations -- among students over designer clothing or expensive sneakers. Hundreds of dollars could be saved by wearing uniforms to school. Parents would not have to set aside money year after year to outfit their growing children. School uniforms would help take away some financial burden.
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Not only would the cost of clothing be effective, but it would also insure equality among students. Popularity is often based on money. Getting into the "popular" groups means a student has to dress the part. If a student came to school wearing sweat pants and a grubby shirt everyday because they can't afford anything else, they would be teased and made fun of.