Tackling Sexism and Misogyny, Sexual Harrassment and Domestic Abuse

In June 2021, Ofsted’s rapid review into sexual abuse in schools revealed a deeply concerning reality: sexual harassment, misogynistic language, and peer-on-peer abuse were so prevalent that schools should assume these behaviours are happening. Students described a culture where sexist “banter,” coercion, and online abuse were normalised, leaving many feeling unsafe and unsupported.

Much of this harm now unfolds beyond the classroom—on phones, in group chats, and across social media. Online spaces have become breeding grounds for misogynistic content and harassment, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. Young people—especially girls and LGBTQ+ students—are navigating a digital landscape rife with risk and inequality.

It is equally vital to engage young men in conversations about sexism, misogyny, and gender-based harm. Boys are often under pressure to conform to harmful norms reinforced by peers, online influencers, and social media algorithms. Without critical guidance, they may internalise distorted ideas about masculinity, relationships, and consent. Providing boys with appropriate role models and safe spaces to reflect helps dismantle toxic narratives and fosters emotional intelligence, empathy, and accountability. When boys understand the impact of misogyny and learn how to challenge it, they become powerful allies in creating safer, more respectful school cultures. This is not about blame—it’s about building a generation of young men who lead with integrity, stand up for others, and help shape a future rooted in equality.

Statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum require schools to address these issues head-on. Staff must be equipped not only to recognise offline abuse but also to understand how online misogyny shapes attitudes, influences behaviour, and contributes to a wider culture of harm.

Training empowers staff to:

• Recognise and challenge sexist and misogynistic behaviours—both in person and online.

• Respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual harassment, coercion, or domestic abuse.

• Understand the influence of online platforms and digital culture on students’ beliefs and interactions.

• Create inclusive, trauma-informed environments that promote respect, empathy, and equality.

• Fulfil statutory safeguarding duties with confidence and clarity.

This is not just about compliance—it’s about compassion, prevention, and cultural transformation. Schools must be equipped to safeguard students from all forms of gender-based harm, wherever they occur, and to model the values of dignity, safety, and respect that every young person deserves.

Supporting Engaged Citizens. Preparing students for votes at 16

Teachers are not merely conveyors of information; they are pivotal facilitators of dialogue, critical thinking, and active citizenship. However, many educators report feeling underprepared to lead nuanced discussions on political structures, electoral processes, and controversial issues – particularly in an era rife with online misinformation and increasingly polarised debate. Without targeted training, valuable opportunities to empower students may be missed, and vital statutory guidance within PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) and Citizenship curricula may be delivered inconsistently or superficially.

Investing in comprehensive teacher training for democracy education ensures several critical outcomes:

• Accurate, Balanced, and Inclusive Information: Students will receive precise, well-rounded, and inclusive information about the UK's democratic systems, voting processes, and their fundamental civic rights and responsibilities. This foundational knowledge is crucial for informed participation.

• Confident Navigation of Sensitive Topics: Educators will gain the confidence and skills to navigate sensitive topics effectively, fostering respectful debate, promoting active listening, and equipping students to critically challenge misinformation, especially that which proliferates rapidly via social media platforms.

• Embedded Participatory Learning: Schools will be empowered to embed practical, participatory learning experiences into their everyday practice. This includes initiatives such as mock elections, student councils, and civic action projects, which provide hands-on understanding of democratic principles.

• Curriculum Alignment and Relevance: Curriculum delivery will align seamlessly with statutory expectations, ensuring that all students receive a consistent and high-quality education in citizenship. Furthermore, the content will reflect the lived realities and contemporary issues relevant to young people who are now eligible to vote, making the education more engaging and impactful.

In essence, robust teacher training serves as the linchpin of effective democracy education. It transcends the mere dissemination of curriculum content, transforming it into meaningful and transformative experiences. This ensures that every student is not only thoroughly informed about their democratic rights and responsibilities but also inspired and equipped to actively engage in shaping their communities and the future of their nation.