Talking Points: Should schools introduce a no-uniform policy?

Yes, I think they should. Many students feel uncomfortable wearing theirs, or think that it’s very boring or uncool. Some of them struggle to afford it. It would be better if they were allowed to wear what they already own.

Talking Points: Should schools reward students for 100 per cent attendance?

No. A school uniform is a school’s way of identifying a student as theirs as opposed to belonging to other schools. It’s also a show of respect for your school to wear that school’s uniform. If young people were given the option to not wear it, then no one would know which school they go to, or if they’re a student at all.

No, because a school uniform creates a type of equality. Students don’t have to worry about not wearing the same brands as someone else, or how stylish it looks. Wearing a uniform saves time in the morning, because we don’t have to think about what to wear, if we have worn it already, or if it will help us stand out.

Teachers can better spot non-students at their school if uniforms are enforced, and it’s easier to find students who are skipping class when they’re wearing one. Uniforms look neat and tidy, too. This helps students, because once they graduate they might work in places that require them to be neat and tidy and on time – all things that they will have been taught at school. 

Talking Points: Should students be required to complete homework over the summer?

Yes. Adults get to decide what they want to wear all the time, which allows them to express who they are. Denying students that is denying them the chance to prepare for adulthood. Many people see being able to choose what to wear as a way of creating an identity for themselves. This is very important to their development, according to psychologist Erik Erikson. When we take that choice away, we’re taking away an important part of a person’s development. 

No. Students would waste too much time choosing what to wear every day, which might cause them to be late to class. Some might get bullied because of what they’re wearing. That doesn’t happen with uniforms. Also, people can easily recognise which school they are from when they wear a uniform, which is extremely useful when they are out on school trips.

Talking Points: Is the use of facial recognition a breach of people's privacy?

Yes, because I think students have a right to choose what they want to wear. Lots of other countries have this policy in place already. I think Hong Kong schools should also allow students to decide what they want to wear at school.

I don’t think it’s a good idea. Students would spend too much time deciding what to wear, and the teachers would find it harder to identify students from non-students. Some people might even pretend to be students and go on school grounds and do bad things, because they don’t need to wear a uniform. 

Talking Points: Are expensive smartphones worth the price?

Absolutely not. If some students comes form rich families, they might wear nicer or more expensive things if there is no uniform policy. This might make students from poorer backgrounds feel bad. A uniform means no one is better or worse when it comes to what they wear. They would be able to better focus on their studies. 

No. I think it is important for students to wear uniforms, as they show a person’s loyalty to a school. They should be proud to wear one, because they are representing their school. If people were allowed to wear whatever they like to school, people will start competing with each other, which might cause some to feel bad about what they wear, and they might focus less in class as a result. 

In our next Talking Points, we’ll discuss:

We are now accepting your answers for this topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age, and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it’s not blurry), to [email protected] by lunchtime on Monday. Don’t forget to include “Talking Points” in the subject line.