Labour to send boys as young as 11 on anti-misogyny courses | Politics | News
Labor plans to send 11-year-old boys to anti-misogyny courses, using the “full power of the state” to eliminate male violence against women and girls. Orwellian-sounding “behavior change programmes” targeting what are described as “deeply rooted misogynistic influences” have been announced by safeguarding minister Jess Phillips.
Ms Phillips has been criticized this year by abuse victims for her stance on launching a national investigation into the grooming gang scandal, which involved groups of boys targeting mostly young girls. The minister has now promised to launch programs in schools that will “use the full power of the state to apply the greatest pressure to stop violence against women and girls”.
The Times reported that the programs would cover peer pressure, coercive behavior, online harassment, stalking, image-based harassment and pornography. It is said that contractors, as well as teachers, can take part in pilot programs in secondary schools, but there is also the option of expanding the courses to primary schools.
According to the TimesIt was stated that young girls, as well as boys who were found to be behaving in a harmful manner, could also be sent to courses. A helpline will also be set up for young people to contact regarding their relationship concerns.
Labor was keen to promote the idea that misogyny was a sinister force in British society; Sir Keir Starmer has previously said “every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in their relationships”, adding: “Harmful ideas often emerge early and go unchallenged. This is about protecting girls and advancing education and conversation with boys and young men – a responsibility we owe to the next generation.”
Elsewhere in the Cabinet, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in November she was “tired of people explaining to me how to be chancellor” in a bid to blame misogynistic attitudes for criticism of her choices in the Budget. Mansplaining is a term used to describe a man making a remark to a woman, usually in a condescending or arrogant manner.
The proposed new strategy for schools will also teach boys to identify “positive role models” and challenge what ministers describe as “unhealthy myths about women and relationships”.
Labour’s research found that 70% of secondary school teachers claim to be actively involved in sexual violence or harassment between pupils.
Dame Nicole Jacobs, domestic violence commissioner for England and Wales, said: “Today’s strategy correctly recognizes the scale of this challenge and the need to address the misogynistic attitudes that underlie it, but the level of investment required to achieve this falls seriously short.”
Schools participating in the teacher training pilot program will be selected next year.
