In a jaw-dropping move that has parents everywhere scratching their heads, Crestview College in Australia recently held an assembly aimed at warning female students about how to prevent boys from sharing their intimate photos. The advice? Don’t wear skirts above the knee, avoid “heavy” makeup, and steer clear of “sexy selfies.” One can only assume the boys were given a separate assembly with a single directive: “Don’t be jerks.”
Earlier this month, mom Jessica Parker took to Facebook to express her outrage after receiving a text from her daughter about this assembly, which followed Crestview’s unfortunate inclusion in a list of schools targeted by an online child pornography ring. This group, which has accumulated over 2,000 images since its inception, shares the names of girls they are “hunting,” and if nude photos of those girls are uploaded, they are labeled as “wins.” Instead of addressing the real issue, the school opted to “protect” its female students by advising them on how to avoid encouraging this immoral behavior.
While it is indeed important for girls to understand the dangers of online predators and how their images can be misused, it’s equally vital for boys to receive the same warnings. However, the problem lies in the school assigning blame rather than fostering a supportive environment. Crestview’s principal, Tim Johnson, claimed that the connection drawn between the dress code and online pornography was “unintentional.” He stated that the assembly was merely a chance to remind students about the existing uniform policy, insisting they never implied that girls’ attire made harassment acceptable. Yet, by discussing the dress code in the context of these predatory actions, they inadvertently shifted the blame onto the girls.
Parker, understandably incensed, made it clear that the real issue resides not with the girls or their fashion choices but with the boys who feel entitled to violate them. “The problem lies with the boys themselves—their sense of entitlement, their lack of respect, and the choices they make to break trust,” she summarized perfectly.
We still live in a world where female sexuality is scrutinized, and where rape victims often face questions about their choices. This assembly only reinforces the damaging message that women should fear their own bodies and the power they hold, and if something bad happens, it’s somehow their fault.
Fortunately, after Parker’s outcry, school officials met with the students and offered a “sincere” apology. This is a good first step. However, what we hope to see next is an assembly that tackles issues like slut-shaming, rape culture, and victim-blaming head-on. The girls of Crestview College deserve to know that this isn’t about them—it’s about a broader culture of power, control, and misogyny. Hats off to fierce advocates like Jessica Parker who refuse to let this nonsense slide.
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In summary, Crestview College’s assembly aimed at preventing the sharing of intimate photos by providing misguided advice to female students about their clothing choices has sparked outrage. Parents and advocates are demanding a more constructive conversation that addresses the real issues of respect and consent.