UK schools to roll out lessons to counter misogyny, incel culture and online grooming
The new lessons, aimed at children aged 11 to 18, will cover topics such as 'incel' (involuntary celibate) culture, the link between pornography and misogyny, and the dangers posed by AI-generated deepfake content.
COMBATING TOXIC ONLINE INFLUENCES
The UK's Department for Education said misogynistic attitudes had reached 'epidemic scale' among young people, fuelled by internet influencers and harmful online communities.
'I want our children to be equipped to defy the malign forces that exist online,' said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. '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.'
The announcement follows the release of the Netflix drama Adolescence, which sparked national debate earlier this year for its depiction of toxic online influences on boys. The show centres on a radicalised 13-year-old boy who commits murder after being drawn into online incel culture.
NEW CURRICULUM GUIDELINES
Data published by the Department for Education showed that 54 per cent of students aged 11 to 19 had witnessed misogynistic comments in the past week.
The new guidance encourages schools to challenge myths about relationships and help boys seek out healthier role models, without stigmatising boys 'for being boys.'
Phillipson said the measures are designed to foster 'respectful and healthy attitudes' and protect students from harmful online narratives.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Adolescence and said the show would be screened in secondary schools. During last year's general election campaign, Starmer's Labour party pledged to halve the rate of violence against women and girls within a decade.
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