The government has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at confronting misogyny and harmful behaviour among pupils in England's schools. The multimillion-pound investment forms a core part of a wider strategy to combat violence against women and girls.
Behavioural Courses for Pupils from Age 11
Under the flagship plan, teachers will be given the power to refer children to specialised behavioural courses from the age of 11. This intervention will be triggered when educators witness disturbing or worrying conduct that suggests a pupil is being influenced by misogynistic attitudes.
The curriculum for these courses is designed to address modern digital threats. It will include explicit teaching on the dangers and legality of deepfake pornography and other forms of image-based abuse, alongside broader lessons on online harassment.
Funding and Wider Strategy
The educational component is part of a larger scheme backed by a significant financial commitment. The government has allocated £550 million in funding to support victims of violence against women and girls.
However, the announcement has not been met without criticism. Prominent voices, including Labour's Jess Phillips, have raised concerns. Critics argue that while the initial investment is welcome, there is still no guarantee of long-term, sustainable funding to ensure the programme's lasting impact.
A Response to Evolving Threats
The policy represents a direct response to the evolving nature of harassment and abuse, which increasingly plays out in digital spaces. By targeting children as young as 11, the strategy aims to intervene early, challenging the roots of toxic masculinity before attitudes become entrenched.
The focus on deepfakes and image-based abuse acknowledges the specific ways technology is being weaponised, often against young women and girls. The success of the initiative will likely depend on both the effective delivery of the courses in schools and the sustained financial and political will behind it.
