School of shame: When does enforcing a dress code become slut-shaming?

The article discusses the harsh reality of school dress codes and how they can lead to slut-shaming. The author recalls their own experience in a prestigious private school where they were subjected to strict dress codes that focused on how to avoid arousing male attention. Girls were taught to wear skirts above their knees, shorts under their skirts, and white or beige training bras to avoid being "gandered" by boys.

The author also recalls being chastised for wearing coloured bras in peak Delhi heat and being told to maintain decency while playing sports. The article highlights the insidious nature of this kind of policing, which can lead girls to police themselves and eventually become ostracised by their peers for being perceived as "bad girls".

The author emphasizes the need for age-appropriate conversations about puberty, bodies, sexuality, consent, and respect in schools, rather than focusing on policing a girl's appearance.