Every generation has its own form of rebellion.

Friday, August 18, 2000

Every generation has its own form of rebellion. And as unique as each successive interpretation might seem, there are always a few connectors that harken back to disgruntled teens gone-by.

One of the first places teens turn to be "individuals" is clothing.

From grunge to preppies, clothing styles can range from the somewhat unusual to completely bizarre.

Those deviations are fine in some instances. But when it comes to school, a line does need to be drawn.

At a couple Lawrence County schools this coming year, there will be new rules for how students may dress.

From a more formal dress code to a ban on clothing that is connected with wrestling, schools are teaching their students that there are standards by which they must abide if they are going to find a job and support themselves someday. Also, these schools are saying that some clothing – as in the case of wrestling – promotes an attitude and contains some language that is not appropriate in school.

These districts should be commended for teaching their students something that is rarely considered these days: Children eventually have to learn that there are rules they must follow and standards to which they must adhere if they are going to survive as young adults.

Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with imposing limits on children. That is how they learn.