GIRLS’ SCHOOLWEAR STUDY

Parents grumbling about the high prices of school uniforms has almost become part and parcel of the start of a new school year.

But a new study has shown those having to buy girls’ uniforms might have more reason to complain than others.

A review of existing research by Dr Johanna Reidy from the department of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington found that girls’ uniforms are often more expensive than those for boys.

‘‘[This shows] that even here there is a ‘pink tax’ for femaleoriented products that perform the same function as a unisex or male alternative,’’ said Reidy.

Pricing at Christchurch schools backs the suggestion girls may be getting the short end of the stick.

A basic winter uniform at Christchurch Boys’ High School would cost about $377, excluding shoes, while a winter uniform for a Christchurch Girls’ High student would cost about $495.

At Cashmere High School, a basic boys’ uniform costs about $427 compared to $464 for a girls’ uniform with a skirt, although girls have the option to wear trousers as well.

At Lincoln High School, a shirt, tie, trousers, and blazer would cost $470, but swap the trousers for a pinafore and tights and the uniform costs about $56 more.

It is not just the added cost of girls’ uniforms that supports the call for a radical redesign of school uniforms, says Reidy. Evidence shows uniforms can even influence mental health and limit physical activity.

‘‘Restrictive school uniforms are limiting physical activity by girls and creating a barrier to lunchtime play, and the style of school uniforms and the lack of warmth is making female students reluctant to cycle to and from school. It can come down to not wanting to cycle to school or play on the jungle gym for fear of inadvertently flashing your knickers.’’

Reidy said one study that used pedometers and self-reporting to collect data showed girls are significantly more active at school when they are wearing PE gear rather than their regular school uniform.

Unflattering clothing could create a disincentive for an overweight child to participate in physical activity, or create significant discomfort for a student whose ethnic or religious needs are not met by the school uniform.

Many school uniforms also fail to make the grade when it comes to providing students with adequate sun protection, said Reidy.

For years there have been calls for school uniforms to also serve the needs for queer, trans or gender-neutral students who do not conform to traditional gender roles, and many schools have heeded the calls.

Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School introduced a gender-neutral uniform for the first time this year in an effort to provide ‘‘an inclusive and supportive environment’’ for all students.

Burnside High School also operates under a gender-neutral uniform policy where no distinction is drawn between girls’ and boys’ uniforms, and students may choose to wear fitted or non-fitted options, regardless of gender.