Education

Research from the NEU education union which represents teachers and lecturers and equality campaign organisation UK Feminista, found that the sexual harassment of girls in schools is widespread.

The study, It’s just everywhere, reveals sexist language and gender stereotypes are a typical feature of school culture, contributing to a climate in which sexual harassment is commonplace.

The main findings include:

• over a third (37%) of girls at mixed-sex schools have been sexually harassed while at school;

• 66% of female students and 37% of male students in mixed-sex sixth forms have experienced or witnessed the use of sexist language in schools;

• over a third (34%) of primary school teachers say they witness gender stereotyping in their schools on at least a weekly basis; and

• 64% of teachers in mixed-sex secondary schools hear sexist language in schools on at least a weekly basis.

The report calls on the government to take urgent steps to tackle sexism and sexual harassment in schools. This includes issuing national guidance to schools on how to prevent and respond effectively to sexual harassment and sexual violence, and to ensure that teachers receive the necessary training, resources and support to develop a whole school strategy for tackling sexism — from the early years in primary schools through to secondary schools.