Uniform policies linked to lack of exercise

A global study from the University of Cambridge found that uniforms could be restricting young people's physical activity, especially for younger girls. 

The reserachers suggest that this could be explained by the fact that younger children get more incidental exercise throughout the school day than older students; for example, through running, climbing and various other forms of active play at break and lunchtimes.

There is already evidence that girls feel less comfortable in participating in active play if they are wearing certain types of clothing, such as skirts or dresses. It found that in countries where a majority of schools require students to wear uniforms, fewer young people tend to meet the average of 60 minutes of physical activity per day recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Previous concerns have been raised about girls’ PE uniforms and school sports kits.

A 2021 study in England found that the design of girls’ PE uniforms deterred students from participating in certain activities, while the hockey player Tess Howard proposed redesigning gendered sports uniforms for similar reasons, after analysing interview and survey data.

The recent study was led by Dr Mairead Ryan, a researcher at the Faculty of Education and Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge. 

She said while the study is not suggesting a blanket ban on uniforms, but is presenting new evidence to support decision-making.

"School communities could consider design, and whether specific characteristics of a uniform might either encourage or restrict any opportunities for physical activity across the day," she added. 

The study used data about the physical activity participation of more than a million five-to-17-year-olds internationally.