Oral Presentation
Oral Presentation
To begin with, let me ask you something. Have you ever thought about how much our
clothing affects our feelings and interactions at school? Imagine the pressure to dress a
certain way just to fit in. This pressure is something that many students feel, and one reason
why a lot of schools adopt dress codes is to create a focused, calm learning environment. But
should schools really tell us what to wear? Today, I would like to share why I think dress
codes in schools can make a big difference in creating a respectful and inclusive atmosphere,
letting students focus on what truly matters: their education.
As a Spanish student studying here in Sweden, I have noticed some interesting differences in
how each country approaches dress codes. In Sweden, students dress more casually, which
helps to create a positive learning atmosphere. Back home in Spain, however, in most cases,
students feel under pressure to wear trendy clothing, which can sometimes be distracting.
Here is where a dress code can help: by reducing the social pressures related to appearance, it
can allow students to concentrate more on their studies without the worry of fitting in or
standing out just by paying attention to their clothes.
While I support the concept of dress codes in schools, it is crucial to clarify that I do not
agree with traditional ones that impose unrealistic standards, such as requiring girls to wear
short skirts. During my educational experience, the dress code permitted girls to wear pants,
which not only provided comfort but also maintained a professional appearance.
Additionally, in high school, there was a policy that banned brand logos, effectively
disappearing comparisons among students. This approach fostered a sense of equality and
significantly reduced social pressure, enabling us to concentrate on our studies rather than our
attire.
These elements of a thoughtful dress code align with the behavioral benefits that uniforms
can provide. Orkulas (2024) explains that school uniforms can improve student’s behavior in
several ways, something which makes sense as learners are not focused on appearances. They
are more likely to develop discipline by creating a routine for getting ready for school, which
allows them to focus more on learning. In addition, it is demonstrated that uniforms reduce
bullying and peer pressure by making fashion less important, creating a friendly environment.
Think about it: without a dress code, some students may feel left out or uncomfortable if they
cannot afford expensive or trendy clothes. A dress code can result in an homogeneous group
of students, reducing social anxiety and creating a space where everyone feels they belong.
And while freedom of expression is surely important, a dress code does not have to mean
losing all choice. Schools can create guidelines that still allow for personal style within
respectful boundaries, offering a balance. This way, we encourage self-expression without the
side effects of extreme competition or judgment over appearance.
So, to sum up, a dress code is about more than just clothing—it is about fostering a
distraction-free environment that allows students to follow a more positive, respectful space
for everyone. Supporting dress codes means supporting a school environment where every
student can feel comfortable, included, and ready to learn. As future educators, is not that the
kind of school environment we would all like to create?
REFERENCES
Orkulas, M. (2024). Impressive benefits of school uniforms: More than just a dress code.
Royal Public Schools. School Uniforms: Beyond Dress Code To Impressive Benefits