A new study into restrictive clothing and physical activity has reignited the school uniform debate.
Conducted across 64 Australian primary schools over a four-period, the study found girls did considerably more exercise when they wore pants, compared to those who wore a skirt to school.
The study concluded: “a physically restrictive school uniform has the potential to inhibit physical activity among primary-school-aged girls”.
While winter skirts and school dresses have a long tradition in the school system, a changing society where gender roles are blurred and an obesity crisis is very real has parents questioning if it’s time for change.
Simone Cariss is one such parent who agrees the rules are outdated and it’s time schools move with the times.
She has launched a Change.org petition in Australia calling for legislation to change to provide uniform gender equality.
“My daughter, like many other girls, simply wants the choice to wear pants like half of her peers, with the warmth and freedom to be active at school and travelling to/from school,” Simone, who plans to lobby with the Government for the change at schools nationwide if enough supporters are found, writes.
To date, 18,203 people have signed the petition.
In New Zealand, school uniforms are never far from the headlines.
Early last year, a group of Massey High School students petitioned to scrap their new uniforms, which they claimed are too hot to learn in.
And in June, female students at Hornby High School in Christchurch were told they must refrain from wearing short skirts – for fear of them distracting male staff and students. The ‘advice’ given by a senior staff member during a school assembly caused outrage.
