Modifying school uniforms with drawings of cartoon characters and other flourishes has become something of a fad among fashion-conscious primary and middle school students who are eager to express their individuality.

 

Many students say they are just trying to be innovative and are fed up with the old and boring design of school uniforms. Few schools in this capital city of South China's Guangdong Province have prohibited students from wearing modified uniforms, but teachers have repeatedly warned students against doing so.

 

Moreover, a recent survey by www.gz4u.net, a Guangzhou-based educational website, indicated that more than 90 percent of students are against their peers changing their school uniforms.

 

"Personally speaking, I think people should be allowed to draw pictures on their school uniforms. It is a good way for students to be innovative. Students today face too much pressure, both in and out of the classroom. Why should we stop children from getting some joy out of doodling on their uniforms? We should let students make their own decisions about what to wear."

 

Chen Yingmeng, a 20-year-old student at South China University of Technology

 

"It is better to organize a contest for us students to develop our skills at innovation by drawing pictures on our uniforms. We have several uniforms so maybe we could keep the one with doodling on it at home. But it is still a must for us to wear official uniforms at school."

 

Deng Huayi, a 14-year-old student at Guangzhou Peizheng Middle School

 

"I think students today are too fashion-driven. They should bear in mind that they are at school, not a fashion show. Writing and drawing pictures on clothes, or trimming trousers to cater to the latest fashion is a form of disrespect for the school rules."

 

Liu Xuemei, a teacher at the Guangzhou No 17 Middle School

 

"As an educational authority, we firmly oppose such actions by students. They should obey school rules, including those about what to wear.

 

"If every student scribbles on his or her uniform, what's the point of having them? Dressing in official uniforms reflects a school's image."

 

He Yuhong, a media officer with the Guangzhou Municipal Educational Bureau

 

"I was shocked when my child told me that a growing number of students in his class wanted to write on their uniforms. He also tends to follow the trends. I have told him he can do whatever he wants to his uniform after he graduates."

 

Tang Jiamei, a mother, 44, who works for a Guangzhou-based battery factory

 

(China Daily May 16, 2007)