How UK schools are responding to growing gender bias with behavioral courses for boys and girls

The schools in England have recently introduced a comprehensive strategy tackling the issue of misogyny (prejudice toward women) in boys with a combination of teacher training and specific workshops for those with worrying views, highlighted by the BBC, UK. Against the backdrop of increasing concerns over the influence of the Internet and the prevalence of this trending issue, a strategy is being designed to tackle it from a young age.Current surveys depict a clear image: “2 in 5 girls aged 13-18 claim to have been sexually harassed in schools, with a staggering 22% subjected to assaults,” according to figures from Plan International UK. “It is a problem that is commonplace,” says Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, with new measures on mandatory reporting and “culture checks” to begin in Ofsted inspections this autumn. The Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer added to this, saying that he did not intend to "diminish the focus on the men that are the perpetrators of this violence", but said the government must address the misogyny and inequality that were the root cause. Seeing the growing disparity, the £20m (approximately ₹2,110 Indian rupees) package will also see teachers get training around how to identify positive role models, and how to challenge unhealthy myths about women and relationships. Initiated in September 2025, teachers are trained to recognize misogyny along with other biases, incorporating this into the Relationships and Sex Education classes. The high-risk boys will take up the behavioral voluntary courses on healthy attitudes, consent, and equality. This is with the intent of warding off exclusion. Also, there are promising drops in incidents after workshops in pilot programs in London schools. The aim remains pragmatic: everyone to be equipped with tools for kinder interactions by using real talk over punishment.For many parents, the focus is overdue protection for daughters and guidance for sons about how to navigate tough online spaces. Teachers say early chats build empathy much quicker than rules alone. Others say wider efforts are needed-such as media literacy for all kids or involving families-to help them address screen time's role without singling out groups. According to psychologists quoted by BBC, vulnerabilities among youngsters form the basis of extremist views, and positive role models help the most. There is consensus across the board that starting young is key to shaping better norms. Girls speak of steady remarks wearing them down, leading to changes such as covering themselves, which happens quite often, all around the world, while boys confess that warped ideas come from algorithms but they appreciate school meetings, said it opened their eyes. Leaders of successful initiatives emphasize that listening to students leads to buy-in. A teen encapsulated it all when talking to BBC: "Talking it out feels better than hiding." After all, it needs to start from somewhere, there is no end to anything, if no one comes up to change the system.It combines the school efforts with other movements, such as cyberspace safety and positive influences in the community. Success requires adaptability—train all, include the boys as allies—and track what is effective. Evidence shows the ability to relieve tensions and develop respect for one another. In the words of one teacher, “Kids learn quickly if they are listened to.”