New research from the National Education Union and UK Feminista
– “It’s just everywhere”: Sexism in schools and how we
tackle it - shows that the sexual harassment of girls
in schools is widespread.
The report is being launched today (12 December) in the Houses of
Parliament, with speakers including Women and Equalities
Committee chair MP and fellow committee member
MP. The study 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.
- 64% of teachers in mixed-sex secondary schools hear sexist
language in schools on at least a weekly basis.
A total of 1,508 students and 1,634 teachers were questioned
about their experiences and views on sexism in schools.
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
ensuring 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.
Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary at the National
Education Union, said:
“This study finds sexism is an issue affecting every school and
college. Our study reveals that we must address the gender
stereotypes and the ideas about men and women that lead to such
prevalent levels of sexual harassment. As we come to the end of
2017, we’ve lived through a year in which sexual harassment of
women and girls has been at the forefront of the public eye. This
study shows us how normalised and pervasive it is for young
people also. Sexual harassment and regular sexist remarks are
patterns that most girls and young women come to view as
‘normal’. This sets up expectations about peer relationships and
gender which can lead to real harm for girls’ and boys’
self-confidence and aspirations about life.
“Schools and colleges have an important role to play in breaking
down stereotypes but education policy is making it harder and not
easier. We are not giving schools and teachers the tools, time
and teaching environments they need. The Government, alongside
the profession, needs to develop teacher training about the best
ways to reduce sexism in the classroom and to use the formal and
informal curriculum to make a difference for girls and boys. In
this study, only one in five teachers say the national curriculum
gives them adequate scope and flexibility to enable schools to
prevent sexism. Teachers tell us that barriers to tackling sexism
include an overly heavy focus on academic subjects and teacher
workload being too high.”
Sophie Bennett, spokesperson for UK Feminista,
said:
“The results of our study are clear: schools, Ofsted and the
Government must act urgently to tackle sexism in schools. Sexual
harassment, sexist language and gender stereotyping are rife in
school settings, yet all too often it goes unreported and
unaddressed.
“To combat sexism in the classroom, the Government should issue
national guidance to schools; Ofsted should recognise schools and
teacher training providers that take effective action to
tackle sexism; and schools should adopt a ‘whole school approach’
to tackling sexism - which includes zero tolerance for sexual
harassment.
“The solutions are clear; what has been lacking is the political
will to act. All those with the power to make schools safe
for girls must now step up - from Downing Street to the staff
room.
“We need to stop schools being places where girls and boys learn
that sexual harassment and sexism are routine, normal, accepted.
It would transform school life – and society as a whole.”
END
Notes to editors
The launch of the report will be held in Committee Room 5 of the
Houses of Parliament, Westminster, 6:15- 7:45pm, on Tuesday
12 December. Speakers include Women and Equalities Committee
chair MP and fellow committee member
MP, alongside MP of the Commons Education
Select Committee, Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the
National Education Union, and Kat Banyard, Director of UK
Feminista. This panel will be chaired by the writer and
broadcaster Samira Ahmed.
Between January and June 2017, 1,508 secondary school students in
England and Wales completed an anonymous online or paper-based
survey about sexism in schools. Three discussion groups on this
topic were also conducted with secondary school
students. Between January and May 2017, 1,634 teachers at
secondary and primary schools in England and Wales also
participated in an anonymous online survey about sexism in
schools. (see p. 5)
