Some American schools have introduced several new dress codes. One school in Alabama went so far as to announce that no one will be allowed to wear Crocs. News Report People Magazine It's worth noting that the popular plastic flip flops were banned from a school district in Georgia last year.
The high school in Bessemer, Alabama, has now justified the new rule by saying it “helps create a sense of community and reduces distractions, allowing students to focus on their studies.”
Many studies have concluded that wearing slippers to school is dangerous.
Crocs can be worn two ways, with or without the strap, explained Nika Richard, an assistant principal at a California high school. Many students wear them with the strap in place, which can be a safety issue if a student is in an emergency and needs to move quickly.
A 2021 study found that Crocs don’t help you maintain your balance any better than sandals, and the lack of heel support makes you more likely to trip or fall. For this reason, they can’t be used in physical education class, which typically involves running, climbing, and other physical activities. Sandal-style shoes also aren’t the best choice for science classes, which can sometimes involve handling hot liquids and chemicals.
It will be banned (Image: Getty Images)
This doesn't mean, as the article warns, that kids should never wear Crocs or similar sandals, but it does help to pay attention to which shoes are best for certain activities.
Alligators aren’t the only ones causing outrage. Bessemer City High School has banned hoodies, headbands and pajama pants. Other schools, like Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, are trying to discourage students from wearing all-black clothing because it’s linked to depression and other mental health issues, as well as crime.
Deputy Director Richard says the hoodie ban also ties in with the cell phone ban, because if there's no hood, there's no place to hide cell phones.
Richard says that while he personally doesn't believe stricter school dress codes will solve major problems in education, he understands why changing dress codes is necessary.
But dress codes aren't always easy for students, especially when one of their favorite pieces of clothing isn't allowed—a survey ranked Crocs as the sixth-most-favorite shoe brand among American teens in 2013.
However, parents can help their children navigate dress codes and changes. It’s important to involve children in discussions about school dress codes. “It’s helpful to ask children what they think,” says Melinda Macht-Greenberg, a school psychologist in Massachusetts. “By supporting students and giving them opportunities to express their feelings, parents can provide reinforcement and guidance that increases their children’s resilience in difficult circumstances.”
