A new University of Cambridge study suggests that restrictive school uniforms may be preventing primary school children, especially girls, from being physically active. The research, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, found that in countries where most schools enforce uniforms, fewer young people achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Primary School Girls Affected Most
The study revealed a greater activity gap between boys and girls at primary school age in countries with uniform requirements. Interestingly, this difference was not observed among secondary school children, possibly because younger pupils engage in more incidental exercise such as running, climbing, and playing during breaks.
Comfort and Clothing Design
Earlier research has shown that girls feel less comfortable participating in active play when wearing skirts or dresses. Dr. Mairead Ryan, one of the study’s researchers, stressed that the intention is not to call for a complete ban on uniforms but to encourage schools to reconsider uniform design.
“Schools often prefer uniforms for various reasons,” Ryan explained. “We are presenting evidence to support decision-making. Communities should reflect on whether certain uniform styles encourage or restrict physical activity throughout the day.”
Study Size and Global Findings
The Cambridge research used large-scale statistical data from over 1 million children aged 5 to 17 across multiple countries. This was combined with new data on the prevalence of uniforms in schools worldwide.
Although the results do not definitively prove uniforms restrict activity, they support earlier smaller studies showing that design can discourage participation, especially among girls.
Previous Evidence of Deterrence
A 2021 study in England found that the design of girls’ PE uniforms directly discouraged them from joining certain activities. In fact, England hockey player Tess Howard has called for gender-neutral sports uniforms that allow all students to participate comfortably.
Other studies have also reported that girls are often self-conscious when exercising in restrictive clothing, reducing their willingness to engage in physical activity.
Social Norms and Confidence
Dr. Esther van Sluijs, senior author of the study, explained that social expectations and clothing norms often stop girls from feeling free to move.
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“Girls might feel less confident about doing cartwheels, tumbles, or even cycling on a windy day if they’re wearing a skirt or dress,” she said. “When it comes to promoting health, that’s a real problem.”
WHO Guidelines and Activity Levels
The WHO recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day for young people. Yet, the Cambridge study confirmed that most children and adolescents are not meeting this target, with the gap particularly wide among girls.
- In countries with school uniforms, only 16% of students met the WHO recommendation.
- In countries with fewer uniforms, this rose to 19.5%.
- The gender gap was 9.8 percentage points in uniform-heavy countries, compared to 5.5 points where uniforms were less common.
Overall, boys were 1.5 times more likely than girls to meet WHO recommendations across all age groups.
Policy Response and School Responsibility
Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), emphasized that schools already do much to encourage student health.
“Physical activity, PE, and sport are vital parts of the school day,” she said. “Schools actively work to break down barriers, including reviewing uniform choices to ensure all children can take part.”
Rethinking the Role of Uniforms
The findings have reignited debate about the role of uniforms in education. While many schools argue uniforms promote discipline, equality, and identity, the Cambridge research highlights the need for balance between tradition and practicality.
Experts suggest that small changes, such as offering shorts, trousers, or flexible sportswear options, could help ensure that uniforms do not restrict opportunities for physical activity, particularly for girls.
Bottom Line
The Cambridge study adds weight to growing evidence that school uniforms may unintentionally limit children’s physical activity, with girls affected the most. While uniforms remain a valued tradition in many countries, researchers argue that rethinking design and choice could play a crucial role in boosting children’s fitness and closing the gender gap in sport.
FAQs – School Uniforms and Physical Activity
Q1: How do school uniforms affect children’s activity levels?
The study found that in countries with widespread uniforms, children were less likely to meet WHO’s daily activity recommendations, with girls particularly impacted.
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Q2: Why are primary school girls more affected than boys?
Younger children often engage in active play, but girls feel restricted when wearing skirts or dresses, making them less likely to join in.
Q3: What percentage of students meet WHO activity guidelines?
Only 16% of children in uniform-heavy countries met the 60-minute daily target, compared to 19.5% in countries with fewer uniforms.
Q4: What changes are being suggested?
Researchers recommend that schools review uniform design and offer flexible options like shorts or trousers to ensure comfort during activity.
Q5: Do uniforms have other benefits?
Yes, many schools value uniforms for discipline, equality, and identity, but experts say these goals can still be achieved without restricting physical activity.
