Why can't public schools have dress codes?

United States
June 13, 2007 8:39am CST
Did you ever wonder about this? Look in any school yard in the summer and you'll see kids who appear to be years older than they are and even funny to me since they are usually playing on playground equipment with skirts up to their thighs and shirts showing their belly buttons. The boys have their pants hanging off their butts d shirts down to their knees and baseball caps turned backwards. And this is what I've seen on television!!! Why is it so shocking to everyone when one of these kids get molested or shot while in school? There actually was a time when schools had dress codes and the parents made sure they were followed. Little girls looked like cute little girls and boys looked like little gentlemen. At 8 and 9 years old this is the way it should be. Do you think the schools are afraid to put dress codes in place? Does the government have anything to do with it or are parents and kids now dictating to the school systems?
9 people like this
19 responses
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
13 Jun 07
There is a basic dress code for public schools. Part of the problem is that the schools don't always chose to enforce them. At least the ones that I have gone to as well as the ones my children have gone to. The dress code is listed in the student handbook. Some parents don't take the time to read the student handbook neither do they make their children. In my eyes it is the responsibility of the school, parents, and the students to make sure that the child is properly dressed for school. The student should either read or have the dress code read to them so that they know what is proper to wear. The parent should make sure that their child is dressing by the dress code standards. And the school should make sure that if the child breaks the dress code that they are punished in some way.
3 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Some teacher's are too lazy anymore.Yes it's the parent's respondsability.But as you see on some TV show's how the kids sneek and change before going wherever their going. Yes,alot of teens wear pj pants alot too.My son's fiance does too and wears slippers alot too,as well as lie.And I despise being lied to.She told me that she wore them because she could not afford new shoes and I said something to my son about it and he said,"What I bought her a new pair on pay day,2 days ago."
1 person likes this
@KissThis (3003)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Country , that is why I say that it is the schools, parents, and children's responsibility to know the dress code. If a parent and child fail to follow the dress code then the teacher should send the child to the principals office so that the principal can call their parents to bring them a different set of clothing. This is how my daughters old school did it. It was a group effort to make sure that they children were dressed properly.
2 people like this
• United States
13 Jun 07
Your right, it is the parents responsibility but I can't see why a teacher can't call a parent if a little girl shows up in class with her body hanging out. I know teachers are busy but sometimes it could be in a child's best interest to make one phone call.
1 person likes this
@Abbyey (760)
• Philippines
13 Jun 07
In private schools they have uniforms and dress codes. However Public school dont have them, mostly the reason is the COST of the uniforms which i too dont understand if that is valid. Example without any unifroms the kids need to buy clothes still and mostly kids/teens dont like wearing the same thing over and over again. IF they Have unifroms then it would be easier because they just need to wash them and not worry that they are wearing the same thing over and over again. Anyway that is how people believe it, uniforms are expensive thats is one of the reason why they dont implement them in public schools. With regards to kids/teens wearing short skirts or hanging blouses maybe because parents allow them which they shouldnt. For this im not happy about it too. I hope the government would do something about it too.
3 people like this
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
13 Jun 07
Oh goodness, the government isn't involved in our lives enough already? It seems to me most government officials have worse moral codes than the average thug on the street; they'd be the last people I would want dictating how children should be dressed. We'd all end up forced to buy clothing from companies their buddies own!
• Canada
13 Jun 07
Schools do have a dress code but most of the time they are unable to enforce them because of parent disapproval on what there children are allowed to wear or just because they are to lazy to enforce it themselves . Each year styles change and parents seem to lack the ability to tell there children they can't dress the way they are or are afraid that if they say something that there child will be picked on in school . I say a lot of blame has to be laid with the parents for allowing their children to dress this way and for not instrusting them that sometimes dress properly is respectful .
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Yes,some parent's are toolazy too and they are the ones to be the first one to cry,when their kid get's molested and want to take the school to court.Lol !
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
13 Jun 07
Public schools can have dress codes, unfortunately my son never went to one that did, but many schools are implementing them. My sons school - did have a sort of code - kids could not wear pajamas to school. But when I saw what many of the kids were wearing, I had to wonder if pajamas would have been better. Pants down below the butt, girls wearing less then they wear at a beach with very low riders and belly shirts. You are right, it is not surprising things happen in schools.
2 people like this
• United States
13 Jun 07
If a school has to actually put in writing that kids can't wear pajamas to school then I think there is a bigger problem than I am seeing!
1 person likes this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Yes, so did the boys..my son wore plaid flannel all of the time.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Yes,school's send home dress codes in the handbook at the beginning of the year,but nobody follow's thru with it.There is no control anymore,like when I was in school.
1 person likes this
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
13 Jun 07
I come from Puerto Rico where school chilren are required to wear uniforms. I think uniforms in public schools should be required in the USA. Children look neater and their is no status symbol to denote who has money and who hasn't. They look like children with their uniforms on.
2 people like this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
14 Jun 07
I think it should be required too,in the USA uniforms in public schools.Good for Puerto Rico.My boys had the same status problem when they went to public school.
1 person likes this
@misheleen73 (6037)
• United States
13 Jun 07
All schools I have ever gone to or sent my children to, do have dress codes. Girls shorts must be below their fingertips, skirts as well. No spaghetti string tops, tube tops, tank tops or halter tops. Boys pants must be covering their under garments. No hats at all allowed in school unless of a religious nature. If the schools around you are allowing this, then there is something wrong with the administration and teachers in those schools.
3 people like this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
13 Jun 07
I don't know what school system you live by, but every school my son has attended has either had a dress code or uniforms. I don't think schools are afriad to put dress codes in place as many have moved to uniforms for all of the kids - regardless of grade level. Overall, parents would rather have a dress code in place as it is cheaper than buying kids appropriate clothing to wear to school.
2 people like this
@bam001 (940)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Our school system (public schools) has implemented a dress code. I am very happy about it because the attire was getting outrageous...why does a high school kid need to wear a $150 shirt and sometimes pants of the same price that are 6 sizes too big. This type of dress is distracting and teachers shouldn't have to deal with the fallout. WHen the dress code was announced so may students were interviewed by the local paper. It was appalling how they were complaining about not being able to wear certain logos, tight clothes, etc.
1 person likes this
@dfollin (24146)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Exactly! Why is anyone suprised when they get molested.The way they dress!I have 2 older boys and they went to public school.My youngest son is now 23 and wears his pants falling off and 3 pair of boxers under them.And his girlfriend wears her pant's low down and her shirt up around her waste.She had her first baby when she was 13,when she started going out with an adult man.And my son is the father of her second baby,she had 2 months after her 17th birthday.She very possibly cheats on her fiance (my son).I also have a 10 year old daughter that I homeschool and only let her get proper clothes.When the boys were in public school and more under my control,they would be teased by the other kids for not wearing this designer clothes and that designer clothes,because I could not afford it.
1 person likes this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
14 Jun 07
I don't think schools are afraid to put dress codes in- I for one am against them- My daughter dresses appropriatly - I think the kids should be able to show their style- all kids are different- they should not have to dress alike- Also uniforms are expensive- sure probably not as expensive as limited too clothes- For the most part I think kids follow dress codes- I just went to a parent/student orientation - my daughter is entering the next school (middle school)- they told us the dress codes- Nothing shorter than their longest finger when their arms are down at their sides- I find this acceptable.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Our school district does have a dress code but it's much more lax than when we were young. They do enforce it though so guess that's better than none at all.
1 person likes this
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
14 Jun 07
Alot of public have dress codes now, the problem is enforcing it, especially when the school has a lot of students. In the city we moved from, the High School has over 3,000 students, they had a dress code in place, but you would often see kids dressed inappropriately, it was just impossible to enforce with that many students. Last year, they implemented a uniform policy, so now they have to wear khaki slacks or skirts and polo shirts. The kids (and some parents) complain, but if they would have followed the dress code to begin with, it would never have come to that. I don't think that girls should wear skirts that reveal everything, or jeans that expose there rears and usually thongs, and the habit of boys wearing pants that are so big that their boxers are showing is not attractive or even necessary especially in a school setting.
1 person likes this
• India
14 Jun 07
Well,in my place there was no uniform dress code prescribed for students in government. But now it is insisted for the last three or four years
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jun 07
I don't know where you're from, but all the schools in my district had dress codes. In fact, all but one junior high requires uniforms. A couple of the elementary schools require uniforms also. Right after I graduated, the high schools became a lot stricter with their dress codes also (but no uniforms). I agree with dress codes but not uniforms.
2 people like this
• India
14 Jun 07
with dress code they show that there school is best than the the others
@magikrose (5429)
• United States
13 Jun 07
Actually the schools do have a dress code the thing is what you are seeing are what is called skorts for girls which are shorts underneith a skirt. so the schools cant say anything about that because the underwear are covered. I let my girls wear skorts in the hotter weather so they can keep cooler. I do try to keep there bellies covered but there are some shirts are made to show off a little belly. I think a little bit is ok but not too much. As far a the boys I have to agree buying pants or shorts on the big side and then having them wear belts to keep them up just enough to show the boxers are demented and those parents need to do the shopping from now on and make shure the pants fit properly. The thing is parents today are allowing there kids to express themselves too much and that they are taking it too far. For me I will always monitor my kids clothes and make shure they are age appropriate and no too revealing and if I dont like what my kids are wearing I will tell them to go change and I will be checking there backpacks before they leave the house to make shure they dont have a change of clothes in there that I wont approve of.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jun 07
When I was a kid, I'm dating myself, we all had a dress code. Anyone that didn't adhere to it, was sent home. I agree, it is appauling how these kids dress, and get a way with it in school. I think that the parents and kids dictate to the school systems, and it's wrong in my opinion.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jun 07
I thought that this was America?
1 person likes this
@castleghost (1304)
• United States
13 Jun 07
Isn't the government involved in ourr lives enough already? How many more things should the government regulate? Should they tell us exactly what we are allowed to eat? Maybe the government should tell everyone exactly where they are allowed to live or who to marry? No I don't believe that the government should tell parents what their children are allowed to wear to school. What the children wear to school should be between the parents, the child, and the school. If there is a garment that the teachers don't want the children to wear then something needs to be said to the SCHOOL BOARD. The school board can put a dress code in place to prevent children from wearing inappropriate clothing to school.
1 person likes this