Parents’ Eye-sore: School Uniforms Love Telesdramas

I write as a concerned parent and citizen regarding the growing trend of teledramas that feature school-going boys and girls in uniform engaged in romantic relationships, love triangles, love with young teachers and rebellious behaviour during prime-time TV slots.

The school uniform in Sri Lanka is not just an attire.

It is a symbol of discipline, equality, and the sanctity of education. For decades, our children have saluted that school  uniform as a badge of learning and national values.

Today, several local teledramas have begun using the same uniform as a prop for romance, dating, secret meetings, teacher -student love tales and even the defying of teachers and parents. These scenes air when children aged 12–16 are watching TV with families.

What message are we sending to the next generation? That school is a place for romance first, studies second? That disobeying teachers and chasing “love” in uniform is “cool” and normal? Child psychologists agree that early exposure to adult relationships, glamorised through characters their own age, impacts emotional maturity, academic focus, and respect for institutional values.

We are not asking for censorship of art. Drama must reflect society. But there is a   danger when sensitive symbols like the school uniform are misused. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and National Child Protection Authority must issue clear guidelines. TV channels must schedule a content warning and avoid romantic/sexualised scenes involving characters in school uniform during “watershed” hours. 

The PM and MPs often speak about protecting children and preserving national culture. This is a low-cost, high-impact area to start. If India and other countries can regulate uniform depiction, why can’t we?

PM for your attention,  please.

Sumith de Silva

[email protected]