How much time do you spend picking out an outfit each morning? If you wear a uniform, probably not much. About 16 percent of U.S. public schools require uniforms. That’s according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Uniforms are also a must at many private schools.
Supporters of uniforms say they keep kids focused on schoolwork instead of fashion. Some people point out that uniforms can also reduce bullying. They argue that kids are less likely to be teased when everyone is wearing the same thing.
But many people say uniforms prevent kids from expressing themselves. Plus, they can be expensive, costing up to $500. The cost is one of the reasons public schools in Akron, Ohio, are moving to end their uniform policy. In a survey last year, 70 percent of parents there voted in favor of the decision.