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The first students from four schools in Béziers, volunteers to try the experiment proposed by the government, began to wear their uniforms. However, a study carried out by the University of Cambridge shows a significant negative point to the adoption of this measure.
The first schools to see their students wear the uniform are located in Béziers, France. In total, 732 students from the city headed to school wearing the same outfit: black pants for boys, skirts for girls, gray polo shirt and black blazer. But according to a study, this outfit presents a significant disadvantage for children.
An implementation in the form of an experiment, initially
If the measure was announced several weeks ago by the government, the latter wants to leave the choice to schools, who will have to volunteer to try the experiment. For Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, the uniform would be a way to erase the differences between students, whether social or religious. The reform would also have an impact on school bullying and student results, Gabriel Attal is convinced of this.
Study shows children would be “less active” in uniform
A vast scientific study, carried out by the University of Cambridge based on statistics from more than a million people in 135 countries, demonstrates a point which is not mentioned by members of the government.
By observing students from primary to high school, those wearing uniforms would be more slowed down in their movements and move less than students wearing their own clothes. This observation is mainly made for older students, primary school children being less bothered on this point. According to the authors, “this can be explained by the fact that they exercise more throughout the day than other students. They run, jump, climb, do more physical activity during their lunch break periods and during the rest of the day..
Girls, more affected than boys
And if we compare boys and girls, this point particularly affects the latter who must wear a skirt or dress, an outfit that is not very appropriate (and not very comfortable) for practicing physical activity.
However, the authors emphasize that “causality” cannot be directly established, but previous studies, carried out on smaller samples, reach the same conclusions. “School communities could think about the design and consider whether specific features of a uniform could encourage or restrict opportunities for physical activity throughout the day.” note the authors, recalling that the WHO recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity per day for young people.