A group of students in Bicester, Oxfordshire, England, is advocating for a ban on the use of school uniforms in pornography. The initiative was sparked during a discussion in their Little Feminist Book Club, where members learned that teenagers at other schools were attempting to prohibit the sale of school uniforms in sex shops. Aylin and Mae, both 15, expressed their concerns about the sexualization of school uniforms, which they argue leads to harassment of students.
The petition they initiated aims to raise awareness of the issue, as many students have reported negative experiences while wearing their uniforms, with some experiencing harassment as early as age 11. Mae stated, "I don't wear my school uniform outside of school. I don't like wearing it out."
The petition references a 2018 report by the charity Plan International, which found that 35% of 1,004 respondents aged 14 to 21 reported experiencing unwanted sexual attention while in school uniforms. Additionally, 8% reported being filmed or photographed without consent.
Mae commented on the perception of school uniforms, saying, "Something that should actually be innocent, something that is supposed to symbolize a community, has now become discredited in society."
School uniforms are common in many countries, intended to reduce class distinctions and prevent bullying. In the UK, uniforms are mandatory in most schools for children aged 4 to 16.
The students aim to prevent the sexualization of children in school uniforms and hope to turn their petition into legislation. As of October 5, 2026, the petition has received over 24,000 signatures and has attracted attention from the media, including The Times. Two Members of Parliament have expressed support for the initiative. Aylin emphasized that the focus should not be on altering uniforms but on addressing the behavior of those who sexualize students.