Argumentative Essay

Chelsea
Professor Jellig
ENG 111
11 July 2013

Abolish Bullying By Pursuing School Uniforms

Has anyone taken a step back and realized how different the atmospheres in the schools are these days? Has anyone noticed the rates of suicide and murders slowly getting higher from school drama through the years? If anyone has said yes to either of these questions, read on and give opinions. Students going to school have the mind set to get a higher education, but there are many distractions that keep them from concentrating which distracts them in different ways. Bullying is the main distraction in schools, especially in middle and high schools, which should get more attention and should be abolished. This has been discussed on many news broadcasts, websites and newsletters but has anyone noticed much action on behalf of the new generation and these concerns?

Many say bullying starts with insecurities. If school uniforms were more in demand in private and public schools, there will be a high possibility that the number of bullies will decrease and maybe even disappear. Many countries, like the Philippines, Japan, Burma, Italy and England to name a few, have schools that require school uniforms and they have little to no bullying. These school environments are ideal not only for those who have low self-esteem and little confidence but for every child out there especially to those who suffer from bullying.

Why do some public schools have school uniforms? As I read on a website, in the 1980s, public schools were often compared unfavorably to Catholic schools. Noting the perceived benefit that uniforms conferred upon Catholic schools, some public schools decided to adopt a school uniform policy. President Clinton provided momentum to the school uniform movement when he said in his 1996 State of the Union speech, "If it means teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms."

Although there are pros and cons to school uniforms, Ms. Linnea Tanner shares in an online article; “School uniforms are a topic of much debate in the public school systems of the United States. Many people feel that uniforms reduce distraction and competition among students, while others think that uniforms inhibit individuality and creativity. Both sides have good points as to why or why not schools should require them of the students, but uniforms have gained in popularity in recent years. Historically, private schools mainly required uniforms, which began in the 16th century in England. Now, there are many pros and cons to wearing uniforms. Understand the debate and effects of uniforms within communities.”

Another website called “SheKnows.com” interviewed three moms on opposite sides of the debate. Here 's what they said. Toinette Campbell, mom of two boys from Burbank, California: "Uniforms? I love them. The key word being “uniform”. It gives kids a level playing field and gets them away from one-upmanship on designer labels. It also gets kids used to taking care of their clothes. Getting rid of status symbols prevents children from being teased because they aren 't wearing $150 jeans." Carol O 'Neil, mother of two boys from East Kilbride, Scotland: "I am totally for school uniforms as they keep children dressed the same and stop all of the nonsense with kids wearing designer gear. If kids are dressed the same, then they are less likely to be bullied." (In the UK, uniforms are compulsory in both state and private schools.)

Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These kids also decrease in academic achievements and school participation.

Children who may have been bullied for quite some time without asking for help might create so much anger that they end up doing things they regret doing in the end. Some of these revenge doings include suicide and random killings. These children who have been bullied usually end up with a psychiatrist because they are mentally misled.

Bullying is not the best atmosphere to create in school, social media networks or anywhere for that matter. To abolish peer bullying might be the best place to start to put a stop to school terrorism. By stopping peer bullying, children will grow up with less inner anger which might help decrease the crime level in the future. Most criminals get bad ideas from what they have observed growing up, what happens within the household and what they experience with peer pressure.

Abolishing peer bullying will help the future of the bullies, the future of the bullied and the future of the bystanders in many ways than one. There are many ways in abolishing bullies like student councils, student guidance and student-teacher approachability. Another way, and maybe even a better solution to abolish bullying, would be to apply student school uniforms in public and private schools.

Work Cited: * http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/121-school-uniforms.gs?page=all by Marian Wilde
The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education: A Symbolic Crusade, David Brunsma. Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2004.
School Dress Codes: A Pro/Con Issue, Barbara C. Cruz. Enslow Publishers, 2001. * http://www.ehow.com/about_5462433_school-uniforms.html by Linnea Tanner, eHow Contributor ©1999-2013 Demand Media, Inc.

* http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/809991/the-pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms
The pros and cons of school uniforms
Aug 07, 2009 9:03 AM by Michelle McDermott
Posted in Living / School & Education / School Fashion

Cited: The School Uniform Movement and What It Tells Us About American Education: A Symbolic Crusade, David Brunsma. Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2004. School Dress Codes: A Pro/Con Issue, Barbara C. Cruz. Enslow Publishers, 2001. Aug 07, 2009 9:03 AM by Michelle McDermott Posted in Living / School & Education / School Fashion