Been Harassed or Bullied in School?

1.Bullies, harassment and assaults are running rampant within the Public School Systems. Many times, harassment, teasing, rivalry, ridicule, emotional or physical violence can lead to depression and low self-esteem, problems that can traumatize a child into adulthood and affect a student for the rest of their life. According to a government study, victims often fear school, that 'somebody might hurt them' at school, and consider school to be an unsafe and unhappy place. As many as 7% of America's eighth graders stay home at least once a month because of bullies. The act of being bullied tends to increase some students' isolation because their peers do not want to lose status by associating with them or because they do not want to increase the risks of being bullied themselves.

2.School Violence

Causes, effects, and ideas to combat school violence. Share Your Opinion on School Uniforms. What is your opinion about school uniforms? Should schools require uniforms? Do you believe they help maintain classroom discipline? Do they have an effect on school violence? Share your thoughts. Can having students wear uniforms decrease school violence?

Every school is in essence a learning environment. That which aids learning is acceptable, and that which hinders it should be unacceptable. Add to this the fears of school violence and student safety and you can see why many school boards are calling for uniforms. This issue brings up numerous questions:

What is a school uniform?

What are the potential benefits of having school uniforms?

What are the potential problems with having school uniforms?

How can you get parents and students to buy-in to the idea of school uniforms?

Are school uniforms truly effective?

Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

We have worked with schools across the United States, and believe us, you are not the only person asking this question! The answers that we have heard from our customers are as varied as our customers are. The debate over school uniforms is complicated, so we've included highlights from both sides for you to consider:

Professional:

Some say that a child in a school uniform is more likely to take school seriously. Putting on the school uniform signals he or she is going to school just like dad dresses up to go to work. Schools report that when students dress in "work clothes" rather than "play clothes" they take a more serious approach to their studies.

Promotes Good Discipline:

Many think that school uniforms help maintain school discipline, decreasing the amount of discipline problems. The argument is that children today are lacking in self-discipline because parents refuse to discipline them. This makes it more difficult on the teacher who has to deal with classes of 25-30 students at a time.

Reduces Fighting and Violence:

Schools report that school uniforms decrease fighting and violence that arise out of arguments over fashionable clothes. Children invariably tease those who do not have trendy clothes. Those who can't afford name brand clothes are often sensitive about their clothing. Schools struggling with gang problems report that school uniforms help ease tensions.

Distractions:

Many parents believe that students wearing school uniforms look nicer and that a school uniform policy ensures that children will come to school in appropriate clothing, avoiding distractions such as fads considered to be outlandish or overly revealing. Some students have turned school into an unending fashion show. This disctracts from learning, as some kids spend more time focused on their clothes than on homework.