UK school staffer tells 12 and 13-year-old girls they ‘risk being raped’ for wearing shorts

The comments have sparked outrage amongst parents and students alike.

A school in the UK has issued an apology after one of its staff members allegedly told a group of girls they were at risk of being raped for wearing shorts. The unnamed female staff member made the comments to a group of Year 8 students, aged 12-13, at Thomlinson Middle School in Rothbury, Northumberland. The students in question had turned up to school in sports shorts. The following day, the staffer reportedly told a pupil she was happy to see her wearing a longer skirt as girls "get noticed" by wearing shorts and put themselves at risk of being raped. Her comments were overheard by other female students, who told their parents in outrage. Parents now want the staffer sacked. A number of parents spoke to the Daily Mail of their anger surrounding the incident. "My daughter heard about the comments and was genuinely upset and worried about what she should wear," said one mother. "It's appalling that in this day of age a member of staff can tell girls their choice of clothes could put them at risk of being raped. "It's blatant victim blaming and I'm shocked that the member of staff is still employed at the school." Another mum said she heard the girl who was subjected to the comments burst into tears and spoke of her worry as to how the incident might impact the girls going forward. "What kind of a message does this send to young girls? What happens if a girl is attacked, will they report it to police or will they stay quiet in case they think they are somehow to blame?" The Church of England school has since issued a statement apologising for the incident. "Children have been reminded of the correct school uniform to wear for PE," the statement reads. "On Tuesday 15th June, 2021 it was reported that a female member of staff had made inappropriate comments regarding the length of skirts.

"The matter was investigated and the relevant authorities were informed. The school is working closely with its HR advisers to ensure appropriate policies and procedures are being followed.

"The views expressed [by the member of staff] were entirely unacceptable and are not the views of the school. The school has apologised to the children and the headteacher has personally contacted all parents whose children were directly involved in the incident."

A group of boys were so outraged by the treatment of their female peers that they wore skirts to a lesson in solidarity. The school added the boys would not be punished for their protest.