A positive self-image comes from the kindness of others.

A positive self-image comes from the kindness of others.

19/10/2020

Ella S

 

Why do so many schools have a uniform throughout the world? It is because of school pride or unity in the school or it is mainly about reducing the amount of peer pressure and negative self-images when it comes to children wearing their own clothes? The Today show in 2017 asked 17, 000 people between the ages of 18 and 64 this same question. 22% of people believed that children should be able to wear what they want, 78% said they need standards.

 

Now here is the real question: why do 78% of people feel that way? Is it because they worry, that if children don’t have the same uniform they will be bullied? Well think about it, Children are cruel and those who want to bully someone can find an opportunity. It may be because of how old your uniform is, how big it is on you, how long your skirt is, if your socks are not the most popular brand or if your shoes are a few years old. In 2017 1000 students aged 14-25 years old were surveyed. 23% were bullied and 52% of the bullying took place in school.

 

In 2002 an Irish girl called Susan went to a school which had a no uniform policy. She left at the age of 14 after being bullied for two years and kicked unconscious because her mother could not afford to buy her the same shoes as everyone else. This example was 18 years before apps such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tik Tok could have a negative impact on the way young adults and teens see themselves.

 

Uniforms are good in a sense as it makes everyone feel a sense of belonging but they are not necessarily always good.

I believe that by having a school uniform you are unable to show your personality through your clothing. Clothing helps to identify who you are, what you stand for and your beliefs. Due to bullying or a negative self-image, people don’t feel confident enough to wear their own clothing and just follow the crowd. By having a no uniform policy you are introducing to children that dressing how they want is important to express their creativity. But this can only happen if everyone shows human dignity and respect so that people can love themselves and their outfits. By bullying someone about their clothing they are creating a negative self-image which is detrimental to their mental and physical health.

 

So next time you go to comment on someone’s appearance think about the harm of which your words can cause them and remember to love yourself and be confident in your appearance.

 

If you want more information on positive self-image click here!