Every day, women and girls around the world face violence—in their homes, communities, schools, and increasingly, online. The digital age has brought unparalleled opportunities for connection and learning, but it has also opened new doors to harm. Social media platforms, in particular, amplify misogyny, harassment, and abuse, normalising harmful behaviours and creating environments where young people—especially girls—are targeted.
This isn’t just a societal issue; it’s one that deeply affects our schools. The 2021 Ofsted review of sexual harassment and violence revealed a grim reality: sexual harassment, sexism, and online abuse are so commonplace for many young people that they see no point in reporting them. 90% of girls and nearly 50% of boys reported receiving explicit material they didn’t want, and 92% of girls reported hearing sexist remarks regularly.
As educators, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We can continue to address these issues reactively, or can we lead the way in creating a culture that empowers young people to challenge harmful behaviours—both online and offline. Schools have a unique and powerful role to play in equipping students with the tools, values, and confidence to navigate their world safely and respectfully.
The challenge of social media and violence
The rise of digital platforms has created a fast-changing landscape where abuse is often anonymous, pervasive, and hard to address. Social media normalises harmful language, spreads abusive content, and allows perpetrators to target victims with ease. While this affects all young people, the impact is disproportionately felt by girls and women.
Online abuse takes many forms: cyberstalking, trolling, body shaming, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Emerging technologies, such as deepfakes, create further risks. These behaviours are not just harmful in the moment—they contribute to a wider culture that dehumanises women and reinforces inequality.
To tackle this, schools must address both the real-world and online environments their students inhabit. By embedding high-quality RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) and digital literacy into the curriculum, schools can give young people the skills they need to thrive in both spaces.
What schools can do: creating a culture of respect and safety
Schools have the power to shape a generation that rejects violence and abuse. This requires a proactive, whole-school approach that goes beyond compliance and fosters meaningful change.
1. The role of RSHE in building respectful relationships
At the heart of RSHE is a commitment to teaching young people the values of mutual respect, consent, and equality. These lessons lay the foundation for healthy, respectful relationships both in person and online.
- Consent: Help students understand boundaries and the legal framework around consent.
- Equality: Challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate diversity.
- Communication: Equip students to express themselves clearly and respectfully, while knowing how to seek support.
2. Digital literacy for navigating online spaces
Digital literacy is essential in addressing the challenges of social media and online abuse. It goes beyond technical skills to develop critical thinking and safety strategies.
- Spotting abuse: Help students recognise harmful behaviours like trolling, misogyny, and cyberstalking.
- Protecting privacy: Teach strategies for managing privacy settings and safeguarding personal information.
- Promoting respect: Encourage positive, respectful interactions online.
- Seeking support: Ensure students know how to access help when needed, supported by clear school policies and signposts.
3. A whole-school approach to lasting change
Creating a culture of safety and respect requires commitment across the school community. This involves:
- Developing clear, robust policies to address and prevent harassment and abuse.
- Implementing effective reporting systems to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
- Introducing bystander intervention programmes to empower staff and students to challenge harmful behaviours safely.
- Engaging boys and men in conversations about equality, respect, and allyship to tackle harmful stereotypes.
Reflection and support for schools
Education has the power to transform cultures. By embedding RSHE and digital literacy, schools can instil values of respect and equality, empowering students to navigate complex social and digital landscapes safely. These efforts don’t just prevent harm—they foster empathy, resilience, and a commitment to fairness that young people carry into adulthood.
Creating these cultures is not without its challenges. Discussions about online harm, misogyny, and gender-based violence can be complex and sensitive. However, schools are not alone in this journey. A wealth of resources, guidance, and support is available to help schools navigate these issues effectively. HFL Education offers expert advice, training, and tools alongside a range of trusted resources from organisations such as the National Education Union (NEU), CEOP, and the PSHE Association. Together, these resources can empower schools to deliver impactful RSHE and digital literacy programmes, creating environments where all students feel valued, safe, and respected.
Let’s make #NoExcuse more than a theme—let’s make it a reality. Together, we can shape a safer, more respectful future for all.
Further resources and support:
If you're looking for additional guidance and tools to support your school’s work in addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG), the following resources may be helpful:
- National Education Union (NEU) toolkit
A comprehensive toolkit with resources to help schools tackle misogyny, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence.
Visit the NEU website for more information. - Thames Valley Police and PSHE Association Partnership resources
Practical resources to support schools in delivering lessons on respect, healthy relationships, and online safety.
Access the Thames Valley Police and PSHE Association Partnership resources. - CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) resources
Educational guidance on tackling sextortion, online grooming, and other forms of digital abuse.
Access the latest CEOP notification for educators - NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) statement on VAWG
Reports and guidance on addressing online harassment, cyberstalking, and other forms of digital violence.
Read the NPCC statement on VAWG - Department for Education (DfE) RSHE framework
Statutory guidance for schools on delivering high-quality Relationships, Sex, and Health Education.
Access the DfE framework - Sexual Abuse Toolkit (HFL - The Grid)
Resource links for staff and wider stakeholders including details of training opportunities delivered by our RSHE Lead Adviser.
Access the toolkit - Support from HFL Education
Tailored advice, training, and resources for schools implementing RSHE, VAWG education and digital literacy programmes. For more information or to discuss your school’s needs, contact Tracey Harper, RSHE Lead Adviser, at tracey.harper@hfleducation.org.
Service details from HF Education
Upcoming in person training opportunities
SEND inclusive RSHE Developing pupil agency (27th March 2025)
PSHE/RSHE Developing Confident Leaders (20th March 2025)
Tracey Harper
