OPINION: School uniforms - function, not fashion

KEEPING UNIFORM: School uniforms should be comfortable and practical so kids are able to learn to their full potential.

It would seem school dress codes are back in the news.

Over the past couple of weeks, Massey High School in Auckland has hit the headlines after students appealed to the school's board for a summer uniform.

The students have started the year in full dress uniform -- long skirts and dress pants, ties and blazers in between classes -- while in a heat wave.

Students have complained of sweating profusely, headaches and dizziness, while parents have spoken of children coming home with bloody noses and even passing out.

I understand Massey High's new, formal uniform was introduced last year to help boost students' confidence after the school was subjected to "Westie" taunts.

"How dare anybody think that our kids should fulfill a role in society that doesn't include wearing a blazer or a tie?" said principal Glen Denham.

In the haste to smarten up the school, I'm guessing summer attire wasn't considered.

School uniforms are one of those divisive topics. Some say uniforms promote a sense of belonging and pride for students. They're a lifesaver for parents, as kids need fewer clothes throughout the year. And they help level the playing field -- children from low income families who can't afford trendy and labelled clothing avoid the pressure of being on par with the rich kids.

Others say uniforms are overpriced, elitist, encourage conformity and stifle self- expression.

I'm all for school spirit. But I am wondering if a sharp and elegant image is coming at the expense of kids' comfort and education.

Massey High School students, thanks to the aforementioned sweating and headaches, are barely able to concentrate. We want children to learn, do we not? Surely, if one wants their student body to have a chance at a blazer and tie type career, their ability to focus in class is fairly paramount?

Some formal uniforms are poorly designed for growing young bodies -- such as skirts with tight linings or blouses which gape at the button holes -- also contributing to discomfort and distraction from the task at hand.

And uniforms can restrict physical activity. A study from Sports Medicine Australia that says children need around 60 minutes of exercise a day to stimulate brain development, found restrictive uniforms to be one of the biggest barriers to physical play.

And then we've got things like "the fingertip test" to ensure girls' school skirts are the right length. To ensure exposed flesh doesn't "distract the boys from learning". Yet no one seems to be concerned about the effect on a girls' education if she's being pulled from class or sent home for supposedly "sinful" attire.

School uniforms have their place. But I would argue a quality education trumps a slick appearance. Research has shown children are more productive when comfortable. And if we want our kids present, physically active and engaged in the curriculum, comfort and practicality need to be top of the list.

Function, not fashion.