Strict, inflexible school uniforms are a deterrent to physical activity, a new Government report has found.
100 young people were asked to share their thoughts on sports in Ireland, with many pointing to uniforms as a barrier to physical play.
The paper looked into young people’s opinions on physical activity and obstacles to sport participation.
Junior Sports Minister Jack Chambers says policy needs to respond to its findings:
"We have to have engagement now across Government on how we can listen to young people and respond back to the concerns they've raised."
The report also found uniforms, which often include skirts, are a particular issue for girls.
Simon Lewis is the Principal of Educate Together Carlow, where a no-uniform policy is in place
He says there are a number of benefits to the rule:
"Children are able to express themselves and wear clothes representative of their own image, their own culture or background.
"And really they're comfortable."
The report recommends introducing sports-friendly uniforms instead.
