In a shocking incident that has left parents scratching their heads, Crestwood High in Australia recently hosted an assembly aimed at advising female students on how to prevent boys from sharing intimate photos of them. The advice handed down included guidelines like avoiding skirts that are above the knee, minimizing makeup, and refraining from taking any “sensual selfies.” Meanwhile, it seems the boys were left to ponder their own actions in a separate session.
Earlier this month, mother Sarah Johnson took to social media to express her outrage after receiving a text from her daughter about the assembly. This meeting came on the heels of Crestwood High being named among several Australian schools implicated in an online child exploitation ring. This group has shared thousands of images since its inception, specifically targeting girls they deem “prey.” In response, the school decided the best course of action was to instruct its female students on how to “protect their dignity” rather than addressing the predatory behavior of the boys.
While it’s essential to educate young women about the potential dangers of online predators and the misuse of their images, it’s equally important to ensure that boys receive the same messages about respect and accountability. Crestwood High made a critical mistake by shifting focus onto the girls, inadvertently suggesting that their clothing choices somehow contributed to this unacceptable behavior.
Principal Mark Thompson stated that the connection made between the dress code and online exploitation was “unintentional,” asserting that the assembly was merely a reminder of the existing uniform policy. However, by discussing dress in the context of these incidents, the school undeniably placed blame on the female students. The implication was clear: what girls wear somehow influences the actions of boys, and that is fundamentally wrong.
Sarah Johnson responded with justified anger, pinpointing the real issue at hand: “The problem lies not with the girls and their clothing choices or their decision to share images with trusted partners. It is the boys who must be held accountable for their entitlement, disrespect, and the trust they breach.”
This outdated mindset surrounding female sexuality continues to perpetuate harmful ideas that echo the past, where women are often blamed for the actions of men. These girls were led to believe that their appearances could control male behavior, instilling a fear that if they don’t conform, they could face severe consequences, all of which would somehow be their fault. Such messages are damaging and perpetuate a culture of shame.
Fortunately, following the backlash, school officials have since met with students to extend a “sincere and heartfelt” apology. This is a step in the right direction, but it should be accompanied by further discussions addressing issues like victim blaming, slut-shaming, and rape culture. The young women of Crestwood High deserve to know that this situation was never about them, but rather about the larger societal issues of power, control, and misogyny. Kudos to strong advocates like Sarah Johnson for standing against this nonsense.
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In summary, the assembly at Crestwood High ignited outrage among parents and students alike, highlighting the persistent issue of victim-blaming in discussions about sexual exploitation. It’s crucial for schools to focus on educating all students about respect and accountability rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.