Today’s schools seem to have debates almost every day over something that may seem small — school dress codes.
Schools should strike a balance when it comes to dress codes. Being a bit stricter can help create a more focused and respectful learning environment, but it shouldn’t go overboard.
However, it’s important that these rules are applied fairly and not in a way that stifles personal expression or targets specific groups.
A little more structure in what students wear can help maintain order, but it should still respect individual freedom and diversity.
Everyone’s style is different, but that doesn’t mean students should be showing too much skin. Today, kids as young as eight are wearing crop tops and other clothing that may not be appropriate for school.
Some people argue that most dress codes are directed more toward girls, and it’s true that we could also enforce certain rules for boys. Sexism is still a problem in 2025, and addressing dress codes fairly could help improve that.
For boys, dress codes could include guidelines like no shirts with alcohol references and no sharp jewelry or unsafe accessories.
We’re not saying shorts should have to go all the way down to your fingertips, but there should be reasonable expectations — like requiring shirts to have straps and not be extremely cropped.
These aren’t harsh rules for anyone to follow. Again, we’re not saying schools need uniforms, but at some point, teachers and staff should step in and remind students of what’s appropriate.
With everything considered, finding the right balance in school dress codes is crucial. While dress codes can sometimes feel strict, they exist for a reason — to help create a positive, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment.
Panther Press serves as the voice of the journalism students at Glen Edwards Middle School. The views on this site do not reflect the views of WPUSD or the admin at GEMS. Our goal is to promote student expression and provide a platform for diverse voices and viewpoints within our campus community.
