Schools in England are rolling out a major new initiative to confront the growing problem of misogyny among young boys. The strategy, backed by a £20 million (approximately ₹2,110 crore) investment, combines specialised teacher training with targeted workshops for students. This move comes amid rising concerns about the influence of the internet and alarming statistics on harassment faced by girls.
Growing Concerns and Alarming Statistics
The urgency for action is underscored by stark data. A recent survey by Plan International UK reveals a disturbing picture: 2 in 5 girls aged 13-18 report experiencing sexual harassment in schools. Even more concerning, a staggering 22% have been subjected to sexual assaults. UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the scale, stating the problem is "commonplace." New measures, including mandatory reporting and "culture checks" during Ofsted inspections, are set to begin this autumn.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasised the government's commitment to addressing root causes. While not diminishing focus on perpetrators, he stressed the need to tackle the underlying misogyny and inequality. The substantial funding package will equip teachers with training to identify positive role models and challenge harmful myths about women and relationships.
How the New Strategy Will Work
Scheduled for initiation in September 2025, the plan has a multi-pronged approach. Teachers will receive training to recognise misogyny and other biases, integrating these lessons into Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) classes. For boys identified as holding high-risk or worrying views, voluntary behavioural courses will be offered. These sessions will focus on fostering healthy attitudes, understanding consent, and promoting equality, with an aim to prevent school exclusions.
Early evidence from pilot programs in London schools is promising, showing notable drops in incidents following the workshops. The pragmatic goal is to equip every student with tools for kinder interactions, prioritising open dialogue and education over pure punishment.
Parental Hope and Expert Consensus
For many parents, this focus is long overdue, offering overdue protection for daughters and crucial guidance for sons on navigating challenging online spaces. Educators involved note that early conversations build empathy far more effectively than rules alone. However, some advocates call for wider efforts, such as universal media literacy education and involving families, to address screen time's role without singling out specific groups.
Psychologists quoted by the BBC point out that vulnerabilities in young people can form the basis for extremist views, and that positive role models are a critical countermeasure. There is a broad consensus that starting young is key to reshaping social norms for the better.
Student Voices and the Path Forward
The human impact is clear in student testimonies. Girls speak of being worn down by persistent remarks, leading them to change their behaviour, like covering up more—a phenomenon seen globally. Boys confess that warped ideas often originate from online algorithms but express appreciation for school-led discussions, saying it "opened their eyes."
Leaders of successful initiatives stress that listening to students is fundamental to gaining their buy-in. As one teenager poignantly told the BBC, "Talking it out feels better than hiding." The strategy aims to combine school-based efforts with broader movements promoting cyberspace safety and positive community influences. Success, experts say, will require adaptability—training all staff, engaging boys as allies—and rigorously tracking what works. Evidence already indicates such programs can relieve tensions and develop mutual respect. In the words of one teacher, "Kids learn quickly if they are listened to."
