UK Government Launches £20m Initiative to Tackle Misogyny in Schools
Published 17 December 2025
Highlights
- The UK government has unveiled a £20m strategy to combat misogyny in schools, aiming to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
- Teachers will receive training to identify early signs of misogyny and intervene, with a focus on educating boys about consent and healthy relationships.
- The initiative includes a new helpline for teenagers and behavioural courses for high-risk students, addressing issues like porn literacy and online harassment.
- Critics argue that while the strategy is a positive step, it lacks sufficient funding for victim support services and relies heavily on schools already stretched thin.
- Influencers like Andrew Tate are partly blamed for promoting misogynistic views among young boys, highlighting the need for comprehensive educational measures.
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Rewritten Article
UK Government Launches £20m Initiative to Tackle Misogyny in Schools
In a significant move to address misogyny and reduce violence against women and girls, the UK government has announced a £20 million strategy aimed at transforming educational approaches in schools. The initiative, which seeks to halve such violence within the next decade, will see teachers trained to spot early signs of misogyny and intervene effectively.
Educational Reforms and Teacher Training
The strategy, set to be unveiled this Thursday, focuses on preventing the radicalisation of young men by educating them on issues such as consent, healthy relationships, and the dangers of sharing intimate images. Teachers will be equipped to identify and challenge toxic ideas early, with a particular emphasis on distinguishing between pornography and real-life relationships. This aligns with the new RSHE curriculum, which will be mandatory from September 2026.
Support for Students and Schools
A new helpline will be established for teenagers seeking support for abuse concerns, while high-risk students will be directed to behavioural courses. These courses will cover topics like porn literacy, coercion, and peer pressure. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating, "Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online, and in her relationships."
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the initiative's promise, some educators and experts have voiced concerns over its implementation. Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, highlighted the lack of sustainable funding for victim support services. "The level of investment falls seriously short," she remarked, noting that increased referrals could overwhelm already burdened schools.
The Role of Influencers
The strategy also aims to counteract the influence of online figures like Andrew Tate, who have been linked to the spread of misogynistic attitudes among young boys. According to a YouGov poll, nearly one in five boys aged 13 to 15 hold a positive view of Tate, underscoring the need for comprehensive educational measures.
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Scenario Analysis
The government's strategy marks a proactive step towards addressing misogyny at its roots, but its success will largely depend on effective implementation and adequate funding. If the initiative manages to integrate seamlessly with existing school programs, it could significantly reduce the prevalence of misogynistic attitudes among young men. However, without sufficient resources for victim support services, the strategy risks falling short of its ambitious goals. Moving forward, collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and social services will be crucial to ensure a holistic approach to combating violence against women and girls.
In a significant move to address misogyny and reduce violence against women and girls, the UK government has announced a £20 million strategy aimed at transforming educational approaches in schools. The initiative, which seeks to halve such violence within the next decade, will see teachers trained to spot early signs of misogyny and intervene effectively.
Educational Reforms and Teacher Training
The strategy, set to be unveiled this Thursday, focuses on preventing the radicalisation of young men by educating them on issues such as consent, healthy relationships, and the dangers of sharing intimate images. Teachers will be equipped to identify and challenge toxic ideas early, with a particular emphasis on distinguishing between pornography and real-life relationships. This aligns with the new RSHE curriculum, which will be mandatory from September 2026.
Support for Students and Schools
A new helpline will be established for teenagers seeking support for abuse concerns, while high-risk students will be directed to behavioural courses. These courses will cover topics like porn literacy, coercion, and peer pressure. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of early intervention, stating, "Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online, and in her relationships."
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the initiative's promise, some educators and experts have voiced concerns over its implementation. Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner for England and Wales, highlighted the lack of sustainable funding for victim support services. "The level of investment falls seriously short," she remarked, noting that increased referrals could overwhelm already burdened schools.
The Role of Influencers
The strategy also aims to counteract the influence of online figures like Andrew Tate, who have been linked to the spread of misogynistic attitudes among young boys. According to a YouGov poll, nearly one in five boys aged 13 to 15 hold a positive view of Tate, underscoring the need for comprehensive educational measures.
What this might mean
The government's strategy marks a proactive step towards addressing misogyny at its roots, but its success will largely depend on effective implementation and adequate funding. If the initiative manages to integrate seamlessly with existing school programs, it could significantly reduce the prevalence of misogynistic attitudes among young men. However, without sufficient resources for victim support services, the strategy risks falling short of its ambitious goals. Moving forward, collaboration between educational institutions, government bodies, and social services will be crucial to ensure a holistic approach to combating violence against women and girls.
