As professionals notice a rising trend of misogyny in schools this is a question that both educators, researchers and the wider public are rightly asking. It seems clear that the issues of violence against women by men in our society need addressing.
At Virtual College, we understand just how powerful education can be as a tool for positive change. Our brand new Misogyny Awareness Training Course has been developed with subject matter experts in order to equip practitioners across the education sector with the right tools to identify and challenge these behaviours.
Sexism is the unfair treatment of people, usually women, because of their sex. Misogyny, on the other hand, is the feeling of hate or dislike towards women, based on the belief that women are inferior because of their sex.
People who hold Misogynist beliefs may choose to use threats, violence or other tactics to ensure that their beliefs are upheld. Cultural norms, belief systems and social influences have all been identified as being part of the driving forces behind misogyny, sexism and gender roles.
In recent years social media has become a growing area of concern. Schools are increasingly concerned by the impact of online influencers that promote misogynistic views.
This content promotes discriminatory behaviours and attitudes that include sexual harassment and abuse, abuse in relationships and victim-blaming narratives, all leading to wellbeing and safeguarding concerns.
A 2017 study by the National Education Union (NEU) and UK Feminista revealed how extensive sexism in schools has become, with sexual harassment, sexist language and gender stereotyping now normal in classrooms.
In the study, 64% of teachers in mixed-sex secondary schools reported that they hear sexist language in schools on at least a weekly basis.
In 2024, NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede drew a direct link between content on children's phones as the cause of this rise in sexism.
Recent research from University College London (UCL) shows how the algorithmic processes of platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram can amplify negative materials to children and young people, often presenting harmful content as entertainment.
As a result, sexist and misogynistic ideas become normal parts of young people's everyday interactions (Regehr, 2024).
School teachers have voiced their concerns about the toxic influence of social media and some of the supposed ‘influencers’ who use it to broadcast misogyny to boys and young men. These ‘influences’ attract young people’s attention at a stage in their lives where they are searching for where they belong in society, they often feel isolated, are worried about their body image, friendship groups or relationships.
These platforms can feel like they are offering support and advice, but in fact are focusing on their perceived success, money and power and behind these messages, the narratives normalise sexual harassment and abuse, promote unhealthy relationship behaviours and victim blaming. Educators are increasingly seeing sexual harassment, abuse and violence against women being promoted as normal and acceptable.
The impact of sexism and misogyny on both girls and boys is clearly damaging. Sexism and misogyny affect how both girls and boys see themselves and interact with others. Young people's mental health suffers, they struggle to seek emotional support and their ability to form healthy relationships is affected negatively.
A 2023 Girlguiding Association survey found that over half (52%) of girls and young women aged 11-21 feel their schools don't deal with sexist comments seriously. As one young woman put it, "They overlook it because they say 'boys will be boys.'"
But it is not just at secondary school age that we become aware of sexism in schools. Children at pre-school and primary age learn to behave in gendered ways that are reinforced by adults around them. By the age of 10-11 years, these influences impact their behaviour through to teenage years and into adulthood.
Teachers already have a direct channel to address misogyny in schools, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education.
This important part of the curriculum aims to help children develop healthy relationships, respect, self-esteem, digital literacy, economic well-being, critical thinking and recognise and challenge negative influences. All important aspects of addressing sexism and misogyny beliefs.
While PSHE seems to be a fundamental tool for educators to tackle sexism in schools, a 2020 study by Dr Jessica Taylor found that only 3% of secondary school teachers felt confident teaching sex and relationship education. It’s also widely recognised that many teachers are asked to deliver PHSE as an ‘add on’ to their specialist area.
The Government's PSHE curriculum guidance emphasises flexibility, stating that 'Teachers are best placed to understand the needs of their pupils and do not need additional central prescription'.
However, encouraging schools to be flexible and address issues if they are not confident in this subject area will lead to many teachers feeling unprepared and unsure about how to handle sensitive topics, like sexism and misogyny.
The Virtual College by Netex short course 'Misogyny Awareness' has been developed alongside our subject specialist to support practitioners across all education settings.
The aim of this essential safeguarding training is to raise awareness of gender stereotypes, sexism and misogyny by exploring what misogynistic behaviour looks like, highlighting the negative impact not only on the children and young people themselves but also the effect it has on classroom dynamics.
The course presents the opportunity for educators to examine their own beliefs and help support them to identify and challenge misogynist language and behaviours, not only among children and young people but also among colleagues.
Our safeguarding partner Mary-Ann Round puts it best when she says this,
‘An understanding of what misogyny can look like when working alongside children and young people whether in pre-school settings, primary and secondary schools or youth groups, helps us to feel more confident to tackle sexism and misogyny.
Education is key to ensuring that boys and girls can learn to live as equals and that violence against women and girls, in any context, is totally unacceptable. This is a key element of safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people – and to end sex inequality in our society.’
Work towards a more positive learning environment for everyone, today.
Our Misogyny Awareness in Children and Young People is now available to buy online now or as part of your subscription.