What does dress code do to mental health?
There have been many testimonies describing how dress code violations have caused low self esteem in girls. Those that have issues with current dress codes argue that they're not against the idea of dress codes–as said before, that would lead to chaos–but they do believe there needs to be reform when it comes to them.
While dress codes are supposed to foster a better learning environment, it often forces students to waste time being checked for rule conformance, taken out of class, and serving detention or suspension. Those who are dress-coded may feel anxious about their physique or the things they choose to wear as a result.
Dress codes in public schools are often outdated. They started to gain popularity in the 1920's and they haven't changed a lot in accordance with current times. An issue that many have with dress codes is that it can be considered unconstitutional, prohibiting students' free speech.
Dress codes teach women, from a young age, that their bodies are to be hidden. To show skin is to be “skimpy.” They teach that young girls' bodies are provocative and sexy. By banning cleavage and thighs, dress codes teach girls that their bodies are objects and they are a distraction.
The dress code gives room to alienate and subject people for not fitting into a box. We are seeing short term harmful effects on people's self esteem. Teaching girls that their body parts are inherently bad or important to others implies that how her body looks should be of extreme importance to her.
The impact of dress codes is bitter: they severely harm students' mental health. Saying that body parts form a distraction, and thus matter to others, reinforces the idea that these body parts are (or should be) important to students themselves too.
- Con 1. Dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress. ...
- Con 2. Uniformly mandated dress codes are seldom uniformly mandated, often discriminating against women and marginalized groups. ...
- Con 3. Dress codes bolster religious and cultural intolerance.
The school dress code not only vilifies self-expression in young people through primarily arbitrary and artificial standards of what is and is not acceptable, thus unjustly imposing those standards onto teenagers who might not agree with said standards, but it also submits to societal pressures of modesty that create a ...
A study conducted by Education Partnership Incorporated found that while some researchers reported a positive correlation between stricter dress codes and academic achievements, others have found no correlation between the two.
Dress codes should be changed for the way they influence discrimination and prevent expression. People who are affected by it should have an input in the rules.
Do dress codes limit self expression?
High school prepares students for their future by encouraging acceptable learning techniques, attire and conduct. However, sometimes schools take it a little too far with dress codes, suppressing students from being themselves or dressing the way they want.
According to the school, dress codes can limit acts of violence, allow students to concentrate on school activities, make it easier for students to get ready for school every day, limit the distractions that may arise in the classroom, help school administrators easily spot trespassers (in the situation where a school ...
Female students consistently reported that the dress code sexualized them, treating common U.S. clothing options, such as a spaghetti strap tank top, as though they were revealing, alluring outfits that distracted male students from learning.
Dress codes are typically implemented by school districts and employers to promote learning, safety, and image. Although such regulations face First Amendment challenges by students, parents, and employees, the courts generally support the schools and employers.
To protest biased dress code policies, you can write the language of the policy or words that teachers or administrators said to you when explaining why your clothing violated the dress code. If the language used by the school is inflammatory or gender biased, your clothing becomes a protest statement.
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Dress Codes Growing in Style at U.S. Schools.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros Less distraction for students so they can concentrate on their studies | Cons Dress code suspensions can take focus away from education |
The implementation of a strict dress code restricts students from being able to express themselves and can result in self-esteem issues. The assumed purpose of dress codes is to ensure that students receive an education free from distractions. But in doing so, administrators often take students out of classes.
- Con 1. Dress codes reinforce racist standards of beauty and dress. ...
- Con 2. Uniformly mandated dress codes are seldom uniformly mandated, often discriminating against women and marginalized groups. ...
- Con 3. Dress codes bolster religious and cultural intolerance.
The literature identified indicates that uniforms have no direct impact on academic performance, yet directly impact physical and psychological health.
High school prepares students for their future by encouraging acceptable learning techniques, attire and conduct. However, sometimes schools take it a little too far with dress codes, suppressing students from being themselves or dressing the way they want.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dress code?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pros Can promote a sense of security | Cons Can hinder creative expression in students |
| Pros Less distraction for students so they can concentrate on their studies | Cons Dress code suspensions can take focus away from education |
1) A dress code promotes a more serious school atmosphere which emphasizes academics and promotes good behavior. 2) Dress codes have proven to increase student achievement by encouraging students to concentrate more on their studies and less on their wardrobe.
Dress codes should be changed for the way they influence discrimination and prevent expression. People who are affected by it should have an input in the rules.
