UK Teens Campaign to Remove School Uniforms from Pornography
A group of British high school students has launched a petition and advocacy effort to stop the sexualization of school uniforms in adult films and related content.
A movement initiated by UK high school students is calling for the removal of school uniforms from the pornography industry, arguing that the attire has been warped by sexualization.
The petition, created by students at The Cooper School in Bicester as part of their after-school Little Feminist Book Club, has garnered over 28,000 signatures. The students assert that traditional school uniforms, such as plaid kilts and blazers, are frequently depicted in adult content in a way that sexualizes young women.
"Young women and girls should not have to grow up seeing their school uniforms sexualized," said Alex Davies-Jones, a Member of Parliament who supports victims of exploitation. "I commend these pupils for speaking out about something they feel so strongly about."
One 15-year-old student shared her distress, stating that the mere thought of wearing her pleated miniskirt outside of school fills her with fear due to unwanted attention and catcalling. The students feel their school attire is being sexualized, leading to discomfort and a sense of being objectified.
The "sexy schoolgirl" theme is prevalent not only in adult films but also in costumes and merchandise. Online retailers and clothing stores offer numerous variations of these costumes, and adult-oriented manga often features characters in similar attire. The students highlight that while these depictions may be fantasy, they contribute to a culture that sexualizes elements of youth and education.
In April, the British government enacted a law prohibiting adults from portraying themselves as underage in adult films, though its enforcement is still pending. The students' campaign aims to address the specific issue of school uniforms being used in such contexts, emphasizing that for them, these are symbols of their education, not sexual objects.
"This is something that makes people sexy," one 15-year-old told reporters. "But I’m a child."
The students believe that raising awareness and advocating for this ban is a crucial step toward fostering safer environments for young women and girls.