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.