Kids are going back to school, but the classroom is being replaced with a computer screen for some students. Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning has become the first option for many parents. The possibility of catching the virus is creating a great deal of controversy about whether or not in-person education is healthy.
There have been many buzzes about in-home dress codes for those enrolling their children in online classes this fall. Should kids be required to dress ‘properly’ for virtual learning?
The Debate
In Springfield, Illinois, one school board‘s decision has sparked a national controversy about whether or not children should be allowed to dress in suitable school attire for virtual learning.
The Springfield Schools Board of Education published a new student handbook for the 2020-2021 school year, and parents were surprised to read that children participating in remote learning “will be dressed according to the dress code,” which prohibits items such as hats, caps, hoods, bandanas, pyjama pants and slippers. It also states that students must sit at a desk or anything that requires not sitting on the bed.
Jason Wind, Director of School Support, met with the school board members on August 3 and claimed that when on a Zoom call, they “do not need students in pyjamas and all those other things.”
The Argument against It
The school board’s decision caused an outcry from parents and educators alike, especially on social media. Many agreed that it was a tad hypocritical to refuse to impose masks in classrooms and ban pyjamas for online learning.
The general opinion is clear among those who think the concept is bogus: IT ‘S A PANDEMIC. Life is still odd enough for youngsters, and immersive learning is a massive disturbance to normalcy. They can’t look forward to the excitement that a new school year brings: buying supplies from school, seeing friends, and meeting new teachers. The pro-pyjama camp collectively agreed: let the kids study with whatever they want — it doesn’t make a difference.
The Argument for It
In comparison, some think that a dress code may be beneficial to the learning of students. Dr Cynthia Cross of LeBonheur’s Children’s Hospital talked about the need to create a schedule for virtual learning, including picking out clothing, in an interview with a local news station in Memphis, Tennessee. She explains that this allows students to get into the right school mindset.
“You’re doing school work, and in your PJs, you wouldn’t have to attend school,” she says, adding that a routine can also help relieve anxiety about the new way of learning. There are many on social media, albeit few and far between, who support the idea.
Conclusion
Is it fair to compare the online schooling of a child to the professional career of an adult? Does it make that much difference to young minds, whether in pyjamas or polo from Spider-Man? Generally, regardless of whether you are in support of pyjamas or of a particular dress code – the value of learning outweighs the kids’ choice of clothing to put on. Also, how to get good accessories for our kids should outweigh the choice of clothing.