Students accuse school of blaming sexual assault on short skirts in UK

The school has since responded to the claims.

Students at a secondary school in Manchester are protesting, after staff members allegedly blamed short skirts for upskirting and sexual abuse during an assembly. The Manchester Evening News reports that students at Elton High School in Bury were told that the length of their skirts was the "sole reason for up-skirting and unwanted sexual attention". Parents and students also say that they were told short skirts would be a "distraction" for male pupils and staff members. The comments were allegedly made during an assembly that was supposed to cover topics like rape and sexual assault. One mother told the Manchester publication: "Quite a few parents have complained and the year 11 students have refused to wear their ties in protest." She continued: "Elton are always complaining to parents about the children's skirts, jewellery, uniform, make-up. Our children are there to be educated and they concentrate more on everything else." Since then, the school has apologised for any "false impression" that was given at the assembly. In a statement, headteacher Jonathan Wilton said: "We held assemblies in school last week to discuss the issue of peer on peer abuse across society, how it presents itself in schools and how it should be reported and addressed. "As is usual at the start of the school day, our assemblies also made reference to the need to wear uniform smartly, including by not rolling up skirts at the waist. Following the assembly, some students took to social media to express concerns that we had linked shortened skirts and abuse. This was absolutely not our intention." Mr Wilton continued: "We have spoken to the students to listen to their perceptions and opinions. These conversations were very positive: we apologised for any false impression that was given, and we pledged to keep working with them and with all our students and staff to ensure our school community remains a safe and tolerant place."