Today’s news review looks at claims of sexual harassment in schools.
Sexual harassment in school
Feminista UK and the National Education Union (NEU) have published research which they say has found that the sexual harassment of girls in schools is widespread. They also highlight sexist language and gender stereotypes as issues within schools. The report calls on the Government to take urgent steps to tackle this.
The story has been covered by the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, G2, the Sun and Schools Week.
The Government is absolutely clear that sexual harassment in any form is entirely unacceptable and schools are under a legal duty to protect children in their care.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
Schools should be safe places free from sexual violence and harassment. Schools are under a legal duty to protect their children and government guidance is clear that schools must have an effective child protection policy that addresses peer on peer abuse.
To make sure we help schools to do all they can to address this we will be publishing detailed advice this term specifically covering Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment between children in schools. We will also launch a consultation this term on updated guidance which will come into force next September.
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