In a jaw-dropping move that’s left parents everywhere scratching their heads, Crestview High in Australia recently held an assembly aimed at their female students, advising them on how to prevent boys from sharing intimate photos of them. The list of suggestions included not wearing skirts above the knee, wearing minimal makeup, and steering clear of “provocative selfies.” Meanwhile, one can only assume the boys received a separate assembly to simply “stop.”
Earlier this month, mother Lisa Harper took to social media to vent her frustration after receiving a text from her daughter about the assembly, which was organized in the wake of Crestview High being named among the seventy Australian schools targeted by an online child pornography ring. This group has shared over 2,000 photos since its inception, labeling girls they “hunt” and celebrating when any nude photos of those girls are uploaded as “wins.” When Crestview learned that some of its students were implicated, they decided to inform the girls about how to “protect their integrity” rather than addressing the actual problem head-on.
Let’s be clear: while it’s totally appropriate for girls to be aware of the dangers posed by online predators and photo misuse, boys need to hear the same message loud and clear. The issue arises when the school shifts the blame instead of providing a balanced conversation. Principal James Avery insisted that the connection between the school’s dress code and internet exploitation was “unintentional.” He stated that the assembly was merely an opportunity to remind students about the existing uniform policy, emphasizing that they never implied that a girl’s clothing could justify harassment. However, discussing dress codes in the context of this issue inevitably intertwines the two, placing unjust blame on female students.
Harper expressed her outrage perfectly, stating, “The real issue isn’t the girls and the length of their skirts or their choice to share photos; it’s the boys themselves and their entitlement, sexist attitudes, and lack of respect.” Preach it, sister!
We still live in a society that clings to antiquated notions surrounding female sexuality, where victims are often interrogated about their pasts. The message here is clear: girls are made to feel responsible for the actions of boys, as if their attire or behavior invites disrespect. This harmful narrative teaches young women that they must suppress their identities to avoid being victimized.
Following the backlash, Harper shared that school officials have since apologized to the students, stating it was a “genuine” effort. This is a step in the right direction, but let’s hope they follow it up with another assembly focusing on dismantling the harmful narratives of slut-shaming and rape culture. The girls at Crestview High need to know that this is about power dynamics and misogyny, not their choices. Thankfully, we have advocates like Lisa Harper who won’t let this nonsense slide.
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In summary, Crestview High’s assembly aimed at girls was misguided, shifting the blame to female students instead of educating all students about respect and accountability. The real issue lies with the boys and the perpetuation of a culture that excuses their behavior. Let’s hope for a future where assemblies educate rather than shame.