Does slut-shaming start with school dress codes?

*Enforcement of dress code policies play out against broader debate of sexualization of young women in American culture*

“We know that one of the best predictors of mental health is self-esteem. Enduring public humiliation impacts self-esteem in a very dramatic way,” said Riddhi Sandil, a psychologist and lecturer at Teachers College, Columbia University who co-founded the Sexuality, Women & Gender Project. “We have to foster self esteem in our young girls as opposed to breaking it down at such a tender age.”

Viewed as an object of distraction for boys by school dress codes, girls are usually admonished in language that encourages their objectification. “Girls are often told not to wear ‘distracting’ clothing,” Sandil said. “Schools are sending the message that a girl’s physical appearance is to blame for how boys behave towards them.”

Read full article on http://america.aljazeera.com/.