The main argument in favor of uniforms is that they result in better behavior by students. Wearing a uniform, it is argued, helps students to resist peer pressure, makes intruders to school easier to identify, helps students to concentrate on their academic studies and decreases violence and theft. People also argue that truancy is more difficult if a student is wearing a uniform, as is out-of-school fighting and drug dealing.
Many people point to the effect school uniforms can have on the pride of the wearer and the school. For many poorer students a uniform may be the first time they have dressed in a semi-formal, smart and tidy manner. Uniforms give the entire school a more orderly and collegial look and can help parents, teachers and students alike feel more of a sense of pride, inclusion and ownership of their school.
A controversial aspect of uniforms is the area of self-expression. Some argue that uniforms are an unfair infringement of students' right to self-expression, which can be very important to young people. Uniforms encourage conformity and discourage individualism, but some people think that is good and say that self-expression can lead to unhealthy manifestations such as offensive or overtly ideological symbols or regalia or gang symbols or colors.
A major topic of debate with school uniforms is the financial impacts. On the one hand providing a uniform is a fixed cost for parents that can be planned for and accounts for a child's entire school wardrobe for a year or more. This can be beneficial for parents, as there is less pressure to buy expensive clothing as their child tries to fit in or look fashionable. On the other hand, for many parents the cost of equipping one or more children with an extensive wardrobe specifically for school can be a major financial burden. If the kids could wear clothes they already have to school they would avoid this cost.