UK educators will receive training to address misogyny in classrooms as part of a new plan aimed at reducing violence against women and girls by 50% over the next ten years, a government official announced Thursday.
The strategy will leverage “the full authority of the state” to implement a coordinated effort against violence targeting women and girls, according to safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, who briefed Members of Parliament.
The £20 million initiative comes amid recent data indicating that over 40% of young men have a favorable view of manosphere influencer Andrew Tate, a detail cited by a government report referencing NGO Hope Not Hate.
In the past year alone, one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, Phillips stated.
“For too long, the prevalence of violence against women and girls has been accepted as a normal part of life in our country,” she remarked.
## Addressing ‘Radicalization’
Under this new plan, all secondary schools in England will be mandated to teach students about healthy relationships.
Teachers will undergo specialized training to effectively discuss topics such as consent and the risks associated with sharing intimate images. Schools will also identify students displaying concerning attitudes early on and refer high-risk individuals for targeted support to challenge misogyny.
Phillips emphasized that the responsibility to combat this issue will no longer rest solely with law enforcement agencies. Bringing these discussions into schools is seen as a proactive measure to prevent violence before it begins, especially considering the surge in harmful online content influencing young minds.
“Our approach tackles radicalization and problematic behaviors early on, before they escalate into abuse or violence,” she explained. “Empowering teachers to challenge harmful beliefs is essential to stopping abuse at its root.”
A new helpline will be introduced for students worried about their own behavior, providing additional support.
## Banning “Nudification” Tools
The government also plans to prohibit “nudification” technology—tools that can remove clothes from photographs of individuals. Collaborations with tech firms will aim to develop filters that prevent children from taking, viewing, or sharing nude images, Phillips added.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted that the strategy emphasizes education and open dialogue with boys and young men.
“I want my daughter to grow up in a Britain where she feels safe at school, online, and in relationships,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Every young girl deserves that, and every boy should be shielded from misogynistic harm. My government is committed to making this a reality by supporting teachers.”
This initiative follows Starmer’s earlier mention of screening the Netflix series “Adolescence” in secondary schools. The program depicts a 13-year-old boy who commits a stabbing after being radicalized online, sparking broader conversations about the toxic influences faced by young men on the internet.
