England's schools have been accused of failing to tackle the "scourge" of sexual harassment, with MPs calling for a radical overhaul of relationships and sex education (RSHE) to stop boys and young men perpetuating harm against girls and women. A new report from the cross-party Women and Equalities Committee makes stark reading, highlighting that current RSHE provisions are falling short, particularly when it comes to engaging male students in discussions about healthy relationships and consent.
The committee's recommendations include mandatory training for all teachers, aimed at challenging outdated ideas of masculinity and helping them facilitate open discussions with their male students. This move is seen as crucial in preventing the perpetuation of violence against women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment. The MPs also advocate for RSHE to be made compulsory up to the age of 18, extending into sixth forms and colleges to ensure that young people leave education better equipped to navigate potentially hazardous situations.
The report is informed by testimonies from tens of thousands of girls and women who shared their experiences of sexual violence, harassment, and peer-on-peer abuse on the Everyone's Invited website three years ago. This revelation highlighted the pervasive nature of the problem and sparked a national conversation about the need for improved safeguarding in schools. While some progress has been made since then, including the introduction of RSHE in secondary schools in 2020, the committee warns that more needs to be done to address the issue.
Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, slammed those who have failed to notice or act on the problem of sexual harassment in schools. "For far too long, girls and female staff have been subject to unacceptable behaviour," she said, stressing that more must be done to improve safeguarding and education.
The government has welcomed the report's recommendations but says it is already taking steps to address the issue through a review of the RSHE curriculum. A spokesperson confirmed that schools, colleges, and universities are expected to take immediate action against sexual misconduct or harassment, and that a new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls is in development.