Why Are Crocs Being Banned in Schools?
Crocs and similar footwear are not allowed in some schools. Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottAs a new academic year is underway, some schools have implemented updated school dress codes in a bid to maintain order, safety, and student engagement. One of those rules means no Crocs. A TikToker went viral in a recent video where she shares that she’s not allowed to wear the popular shoe in school. That comes after Bessemer City High School in Alabama garnered attention for introducing its strict dress codes banning Crocs. @.eslis i bought 500 crocs js for them not to be allowed in school#fyp #foryou #real #relate #relatable #idk #school ♬ original sound - her This isn’t the first time Crocs haven’t been allowed in school. In 2023, school districts in Georgia said students weren’t allowed to wear the shoes either—and more than a decade ago, the same debate was causing controversy in schools.So, why are some schools ruling against Crocs?
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Why Are Crocs Not Allowed in Schools?Bessemer City High School took to Facebook over the summer to post the new dress code policy which it says is "to help foster a sense of community and reduce distractions, allowing students to focus on their studies.”Some commenters commended the school, while others felt the dress code was too strict, particularly when it comes to Crocs. Similar concerns were heard after the Clayton County School District in Georgia placed a no-Croc rule too.But, according to research and school officials, Crocs—and shoes like them—can be a safety hazard.Nieka Richard, an assistant principal at a middle school in California, explains that Crocs can be worn two ways, with the strap on top or along the backside of the ankle. Many students wear them without the back straps in place and this could be considered a safety issue if the student is in an emergency situation, needing to move quickly.The same goes for slides, which the Alabama school also banned.A 2021 study found that Crocs don’t help you maintain balance any better than flip-flops and the lack of heel support makes you more likely to trip or fall. If a child is playing during recess or partaking in drills at school, this may cause issues.Crocs may also cause friction if worn for too long. That makes them impractical for subjects, such as PE, which typically involves running, climbing, and other physical activities. Also, sandal-type shoes are not the best option for science classes which can sometimes involve handling hot liquids and chemicals.That’s not to say kids should never wear Crocs or similar shoes, but it helps to be mindful of what shoes are best suited for specific activities. @richdaplugjohnson So what are your thoughts on this? I have no idea where this school is, but this is their dress code and uniform requirements for 2024 to 2025. Take a look at this. Do you agree with this? How would you feel if your school didn't allow your children to wear any of these items to their school? No tights, no sunglasses, no Crocs, no hoodies, no crop tops. What do you think? Would you be okay with these rules for your children? Do you feel that they need to enforce what our children wear to school? Leave a comment, let me know what you think. Go Tigers. A discussion on a school's strict dress code and uniform policy, which prohibits items like tights, sunglasses, Crocs, hoodies, and crop tops. The speaker questions whether such rules are necessary and how parents would feel if their children were not allowed to wear these common items to school. School Dress Code Controversy: Strict Uniform Requirements Spark Debate #SchoolDressCode #UniformPolicy #ParentDebate #ChildrensFashion #gotigers ♬ original sound - No Future Without Art How To Talk to Kids About School Dress Codes Crocs aren’t the only thing being frowned upon. Bessemer City High School also banned hoodies, headbands, and pajama pants. At other schools, such as Charles Middle School in El Paso, Texas, students are discouraged from wearing all-black clothing due to its association with depression and other mental health issues, as well as criminality.Richard says that although she doesn’t personally believe that stricter clothing regulation in schools will solve any major issues in education, she understands the rationale behind why changes in the dress code are deemed necessary. “Since lawmakers have yet to come to a resolution regarding gun control and nationwide safety regulations within learning institutions, at the school and district level, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to best control what we can to give our schools a semblance of safety,” says Richard.But dress codes aren’t always easy on students, especially when one of their favorite items isn’t allowed—Crocs came in as the sixth favorite footwear brand among teens in 2013, according to a report from Piper Sandler. Yet, parents can help their kids navigate dress code policies and changes.Validate emotionsThere are various ways parents can engage their kids in conversations about school dress code policies. “First, parents can ask kids for their thoughts and solicit their input,” says Melinda Macht-Greenberg, PhD, a Massachusetts-based clinical, developmental, and school psychologist. “Kids are more likely to share their perspectives when asked with sincerity and when parents show genuine interest in their opinions.”If kids are upset about changes in school policies, she advises parents to empathize with their frustrations. “Parents can talk with their kids about appropriate ways to manage their feelings so that their frustration does not spill over into school,” says Dr. Macht-Greenberg. “By supporting students and giving them an opportunity to voice their feelings, parents can provide validation and guidance which will enhance their kid’s capacity for resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.”Discuss the reasonsRichard says parents can help by explaining the reason behind the rules in their school. At Richard school, for example, hoodies aren’t allowed in order to help monitor electronic device use. “Students are not allowed to use their cell phones or any other unapproved electronic device, such as Bluetooth earbuds, personal tablets, etc.,” says Richard. “Hoodies provide opportunities for students to hide these things and/or to make unregulated phone calls, which pose an even greater safety risk.”Parents can examine the child’s school policy, speak with school leaders for more insight, and then talk with their children.“Every year I let my students know that sometimes things just are, but it’s OK to ask questions,” adds Richard. “They may not fully understand the purpose of things even after it has been explained to them, however, they should attempt to trust that the adults who are responsible for them have their best interest at heart.”Help them with choicesParents can also give their children fun alternatives within the realms of what’s allowed.For instance, their child could choose which article of black clothing to wear for the day, or they could allow their child some time before or after school to use their cellphones, if their school doesn’t allow them. Same goes for wearing their Crocs.Encourage kids to speak upSometimes dress code policies can seem unfair or make your child feel targeted. If there’s a policy that you or your child are unhappy with, you can voice your concerns, such as at a school board meeting. But kids can also take action. “I let them know that they are allowed to join student-government organizations on campus—or within the district—to challenge student-based regulations in a healthy and productive manner,” says Richard.That’s important as not all dress codes may be valid, especially when it comes to concerns about mental health. Dr. Macht-Greenberg says schools need to be mindful of changes in overall presentation rather than relying on blanket statements about clothing choices.“For example, if a student was practicing good hygiene and wearing a variety of clothes and then began attending school unkempt, this could be a sign of emotional distress,” she says. “Whereas a student who typically wears darker colors may be expressing personal clothing preferences and not representing their inner emotional state.”Dr. Macht-Greenberg points out that, “If schools eliminate clothing choices, it will be even harder for teachers to identify students in distress, and they will need to look for more subtle cues so that they can provide students with appropriate resources.”Empowering teens to work within the student government system provides an appropriate means for channeling their thoughts or frustrations in positive ways, adds Dr. Macht-Greenberg.“It also affords them an opportunity to learn effective ways to make changes in their world. What may begin as a daunting task, can become a chance to gain a sense of control—even if the outcome is not what the students hoped to achieve,” says Dr. Macht-Greenberg. “Just going through the process with peers, and adult support, can teach teens valuable life lessons that will last well beyond the immediate situation.” For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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