Kids to be taught about misogyny in school

Children are set to be taught about misogyny in school under new plans announced by the government.

New Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance has been published, which aims to protect children and young people from misogynism, deepfake porn and unhealthy attitudes to consent, power and control.

The statutory guidance has a focus on helping boys identify positive role models, and challenge myths about women and relationships that are spread online in the ‘manosphere’, while not stigmatising boys for being boys.

Secondary schools will also include lessons on intel culture.

New data has revealed that when asked to think about the past week, 37 per cent of pupils aged 11-19 had heard comments that made them concerned about the safety of girls, and 54 per cent said they had witnessed comments they would describe as misogynistic.  

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: "Before I was elected to Parliament, I managed a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence, so I have seen first-hand the devastating impact when we don’t foster healthy attitudes from the youngest age. 

"I want our children to be equipped to defy the malign forces that exist online. Schools and parents alike have a vital role to play, helping children identify positive role models and resist the manipulation too often used online to groom impressionable young minds.

"Whether it’s helping deliver on our Plan for Change mission to halve violence against women and girls or growing a more just and equal society, there can be no more basic mission for a government then making sure our children grow up to become decent, respectful adults, prepared for the modern world."