šµ Children are increasingly exposed to content that can be harmful, including misogyny and unhealthy relationship dynamics, particularly online. Last week, the Government released new guidance on education around these topics with a focus on helping children and young peopleĀ ‘identify positive role models andĀ challenge harmful behaviours they might encounter online and in real life’. (Education Hub)
These changes will be mandatory for all schools to implement from 1 September 2025, and soĀ the education our children receive around relationships, relationships and sex, and health will look different.
So what’s changed?
šØ Sexual harassment, stalking, revenge porn, sexism, deepfakes – all of these areĀ now explicitly taught.
āļø Misogyny and Incel culture – Students will learn toĀ identifyĀ theseĀ & promote positive male role models.
š® StrangulationĀ is taught asĀ a criminal offenceĀ – even without visible injury.
š Age-appropriate flexibilityĀ – primary schools may teach PSHE topics to children in years 5/6+ if relevant to pupil’s experiences
šŖŖ Gender identity – guidance advises schools toĀ remain neutralĀ and toĀ avoid simplifying genderĀ or endorsing one ideological perspective
š§ All schools should offer mental health supportĀ to some degree:
Primary – Focus on emotions, bullying and loneliness
Secondary –Ā includes suicide prevention
Additional topics to include menstrual health, antimicrobial resistance, gambling, bereavement and parenting
ā ļø These new guidelines mark a positive shift in increasing awareness around modern harms and safeguarding for our children, and the addition of Suicide Prevention education for children of secondary school age and above marks a turning point.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for children and young people, and by introducing awareness there is a hope to prevent suicidality and provide greater support.
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This change is a result of the Government’s consultation, but it has been brought about with the tireless efforts of Mike, Andy and Tim from 3 Dads Walking.
https://lnkd.in/em4DujT2
These men came together after losing their daughters to suicide, and began aĀ four year campaignĀ to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention services. They haveĀ walked more than 1,500 milesĀ andĀ raised over Ā£1.5 millionĀ for PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, as well as campaigning for national change and an increased awareness of suicide among young people.
This change in guidance is a huge success for the sector and for education, but an even bigger achievement for the 3 Dads. We want to join with the nation and the Suicide Prevention Sector to thank these men for their determination and effort.
hashtag#suicideprevention hashtag#3dadswalking hashtag#fshe hashtag#departmentofeducation hashtag#mentalhealthlearning
Alice and the Mental Health Learning Team š§