Why do we persist with school uniforms?

By Jonathan Uptin

It's 2018, not the 1800's - it's time we renewed the conversation about school uniforms.

Jonathan and wife Kerrilee have three kids, two at school, which means two lots of uniform... Photo: Supplied

I'm one who respects tradition, but having just completed the obligitory run to the uniform shop to clothe two growing teenagers for the new year at a new school, I was left with one big question - why are we still forcing kids to wear this stuff? 

While I'm yet to see if any of it's enforced, my kids' 'college uniform policy' doesn't give girls an option to wear shorts - it's strictly long trousers or a pleated skirt (to come to between bottom of kneecap and mid calf).

Boys need long or mid socks - a modern fashion faux pas - and everyone is required to wear "all black laced up or dress style polished leather shoes".

It's not the ugly, out-dated look that irks me (although the kids aren't too impressed), my gripe is practicality and lack of equality.

Our nation's childhood obesity problems are well documented. 

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports about a quarter of Australian children aged between two and 17 are overweight or obese, so in any given classroom, we can assume half a dozen or so students are - to put it simply - fat.

The statistics are shocking, so why aren't we doing everything we can to encourage our kids to be active when the school bell rings for recess and lunch?

Jonathan's kids aren't fond of their uniforms. Photo: Supplied

Which teenager wants to spend their downtime running around a netball or basketball court in a skirt? Here's a tip for the uniform committee: many girls aren't comfortable wearing cumbersome skirts - they're conscious of who might be watching from the sidelines waiting for them to fall over, pick up a ball or be surprised by a sudden wind gust.

Let them wear shorts.

And who wants to kick a soccer ball in heavy, rigid shoes? Here's another tip for the uniform committee: polished leather shoes should be worn on military parade grounds, not the school oval. Let them wear sneakers.

And don't get me started on long socks!

Related: Listen to Mel and Kel discuss how important it is to help your family even it's thankless, schools should support our kids no matter who they are, and Roxy Jacenko reveals the secrets to her success as a parent, on the 9Honey Mums podcast.

Many schools have already embraced gender equality and accepted uniform change - they should be commended.

For the rest, how about using next week's  first staff meeting to discuss it? 

Traditions aren't meant to be broken - sometimes they just need a tweak.

Jonathan is the co-reader of 9 News in NT and regional Qld. His children are enrolled in a State school in Brisbane/