Why can't public schools have dress codes?

There is a basic dress code for public schools. Part of the problem is that the schools don't always chose to enforce them. At least the ones that I have gone to as well as the ones my children have gone to. The dress code is listed in the student handbook. Some parents don't take the time to read the student handbook neither do they make their children. In my eyes it is the responsibility of the school, parents, and the students to make sure that the child is properly dressed for school. The student should either read or have the dress code read to them so that they know what is proper to wear. The parent should make sure that their child is dressing by the dress code standards. And the school should make sure that if the child breaks the dress code that they are punished in some way.

In private schools they have uniforms and dress codes. However Public school dont have them, mostly the reason is the COST of the uniforms which i too dont understand if that is valid. Example without any unifroms the kids need to buy clothes still and mostly kids/teens dont like wearing the same thing over and over again. IF they Have unifroms then it would be easier because they just need to wash them and not worry that they are wearing the same thing over and over again. Anyway that is how people believe it, uniforms are expensive thats is one of the reason why they dont implement them in public schools. With regards to kids/teens wearing short skirts or hanging blouses maybe because parents allow them which they shouldnt. For this im not happy about it too. I hope the government would do something about it too.

Schools do have a dress code but most of the time they are unable to enforce them because of parent disapproval on what there children are allowed to wear or just because they are to lazy to enforce it themselves . Each year styles change and parents seem to lack the ability to tell there children they can't dress the way they are or are afraid that if they say something that there child will be picked on in school . I say a lot of blame has to be laid with the parents for allowing their children to dress this way and for not instrusting them that sometimes dress properly is respectful .

Public schools can have dress codes, unfortunately my son never went to one that did, but many schools are implementing them. My sons school - did have a sort of code - kids could not wear pajamas to school. But when I saw what many of the kids were wearing, I had to wonder if pajamas would have been better. Pants down below the butt, girls wearing less then they wear at a beach with very low riders and belly shirts. You are right, it is not surprising things happen in schools.

I come from Puerto Rico where school chilren are required to wear uniforms. I think uniforms in public schools should be required in the USA. Children look neater and their is no status symbol to denote who has money and who hasn't. They look like children with their uniforms on.

All schools I have ever gone to or sent my children to, do have dress codes. Girls shorts must be below their fingertips, skirts as well. No spaghetti string tops, tube tops, tank tops or halter tops. Boys pants must be covering their under garments. No hats at all allowed in school unless of a religious nature. If the schools around you are allowing this, then there is something wrong with the administration and teachers in those schools.

I don't know what school system you live by, but every school my son has attended has either had a dress code or uniforms. I don't think schools are afriad to put dress codes in place as many have moved to uniforms for all of the kids - regardless of grade level. Overall, parents would rather have a dress code in place as it is cheaper than buying kids appropriate clothing to wear to school.

Our school system (public schools) has implemented a dress code. I am very happy about it because the attire was getting outrageous...why does a high school kid need to wear a $150 shirt and sometimes pants of the same price that are 6 sizes too big. This type of dress is distracting and teachers shouldn't have to deal with the fallout. WHen the dress code was announced so may students were interviewed by the local paper. It was appalling how they were complaining about not being able to wear certain logos, tight clothes, etc.

Exactly! Why is anyone suprised when they get molested.The way they dress!I have 2 older boys and they went to public school.My youngest son is now 23 and wears his pants falling off and 3 pair of boxers under them.And his girlfriend wears her pant's low down and her shirt up around her waste.She had her first baby when she was 13,when she started going out with an adult man.And my son is the father of her second baby,she had 2 months after her 17th birthday.She very possibly cheats on her fiance (my son).I also have a 10 year old daughter that I homeschool and only let her get proper clothes.When the boys were in public school and more under my control,they would be teased by the other kids for not wearing this designer clothes and that designer clothes,because I could not afford it.

I don't think schools are afraid to put dress codes in- I for one am against them- My daughter dresses appropriatly - I think the kids should be able to show their style- all kids are different- they should not have to dress alike- Also uniforms are expensive- sure probably not as expensive as limited too clothes- For the most part I think kids follow dress codes- I just went to a parent/student orientation - my daughter is entering the next school (middle school)- they told us the dress codes- Nothing shorter than their longest finger when their arms are down at their sides- I find this acceptable.

Our school district does have a dress code but it's much more lax than when we were young. They do enforce it though so guess that's better than none at all.

Alot of public have dress codes now, the problem is enforcing it, especially when the school has a lot of students. In the city we moved from, the High School has over 3,000 students, they had a dress code in place, but you would often see kids dressed inappropriately, it was just impossible to enforce with that many students. Last year, they implemented a uniform policy, so now they have to wear khaki slacks or skirts and polo shirts. The kids (and some parents) complain, but if they would have followed the dress code to begin with, it would never have come to that. I don't think that girls should wear skirts that reveal everything, or jeans that expose there rears and usually thongs, and the habit of boys wearing pants that are so big that their boxers are showing is not attractive or even necessary especially in a school setting.

Well,in my place there was no uniform dress code prescribed for students in government. But now it is insisted for the last three or four years

I don't know where you're from, but all the schools in my district had dress codes. In fact, all but one junior high requires uniforms. A couple of the elementary schools require uniforms also. Right after I graduated, the high schools became a lot stricter with their dress codes also (but no uniforms). I agree with dress codes but not uniforms.

with dress code they show that there school is best than the the others

Actually the schools do have a dress code the thing is what you are seeing are what is called skorts for girls which are shorts underneith a skirt. so the schools cant say anything about that because the underwear are covered. I let my girls wear skorts in the hotter weather so they can keep cooler. I do try to keep there bellies covered but there are some shirts are made to show off a little belly. I think a little bit is ok but not too much. As far a the boys I have to agree buying pants or shorts on the big side and then having them wear belts to keep them up just enough to show the boxers are demented and those parents need to do the shopping from now on and make shure the pants fit properly. The thing is parents today are allowing there kids to express themselves too much and that they are taking it too far. For me I will always monitor my kids clothes and make shure they are age appropriate and no too revealing and if I dont like what my kids are wearing I will tell them to go change and I will be checking there backpacks before they leave the house to make shure they dont have a change of clothes in there that I wont approve of.

When I was a kid, I'm dating myself, we all had a dress code. Anyone that didn't adhere to it, was sent home. I agree, it is appauling how these kids dress, and get a way with it in school. I think that the parents and kids dictate to the school systems, and it's wrong in my opinion.

I thought that this was America?

Isn't the government involved in ourr lives enough already? How many more things should the government regulate? Should they tell us exactly what we are allowed to eat? Maybe the government should tell everyone exactly where they are allowed to live or who to marry? No I don't believe that the government should tell parents what their children are allowed to wear to school. What the children wear to school should be between the parents, the child, and the school. If there is a garment that the teachers don't want the children to wear then something needs to be said to the SCHOOL BOARD. The school board can put a dress code in place to prevent children from wearing inappropriate clothing to school.