Teachers will soon receive training designed to help them recognize signs of misogyny and address it in the classroom, as part of the UK's new strategy to significantly reduce violence against women and girls over the next decade. The initiative, centered on preventing the indoctrination of young men, is set for release on Thursday after multiple delays this year.
The education plans include lessons on consent, risks of sharing intimate photos, identifying positive role models, and confronting harmful stereotypes about women and relationships. A £20 million investment will also fund a helpline for teenagers needing support with relationship abuse issues.
The government aims to address misogyny at its roots to prevent young men from becoming violent perpetrators. Schools will be empowered to provide additional support to students identified as high-risk, including access to behavioral courses to address biases against women.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the need for this initiative, stating, 'Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online, and in her relationships, but too often, toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged,' he said. 'This government is stepping in sooner - backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear to stop harm before it starts.'
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips labeled violence against women and girls as a 'national emergency,' explaining the government's ambitious goal of changing cultural attitudes fundamentally. The government's financial involvement amounts to £16 million, with an additional £4 million being sourced from philanthropic and other partners.
Acknowledging online influencers who contribute to the issue, the charity Reducing the Risk highlights that nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships endure abuse. Research indicates that nearly one in five boys aged 13 to 15 holds favorable views toward Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist.
Some educators, like Sukhjot Dhami, Principal of Beacon Hill Academy in Dudley, suggest that many schools are already engaged in similar efforts. Dhami asserted the challenge is not starting anew but ensuring the allocated funds are effectively integrated into existing programs.
On BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Phillips pointed out that a mechanism for managing students with concerning behavior does not yet exist, but could be developed as part of the new measures.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union NAHT, welcomed the initiative and advocated for broader collaborative efforts encompassing educational institutions, government, healthcare, social care, law enforcement, and parents.
Pepe Di'Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders endorsed the government's focus on education but stressed the importance of limiting young people's exposure to misogynistic content online, exacerbated by social media algorithms.