Adolescence prompts anti-misogyny curriculum shift in UK schools

Express Tribune

25-03-2025

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Schools across the UK will begin teaching anti-misogyny lessons to boys as part of a broader government push to tackle toxic masculinity, following the viral success of Netflix's drama series Adolescence.
The new content will be introduced under updated Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE) guidance set to roll out before the end of the academic year. The move comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly backed calls for the four-episode series to be shown in schools and parliament to spark discussion around misogyny, social media influence, and gendered violence.
Sir Keir Starmer revealed during Prime Minister's Questions last week that he watched Adolescence with his teenage children and found it powerful. 'We need to talk about this as families, in schools, and in parliament,' he said.
Adolescence follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, whose life spirals into tragedy after being radicalised by misogynistic content online, ultimately stabbing a female classmate. The series, created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham—who also stars as Jamie's father—became Netflix's most-watched show globally last weekend.
Labour officials say the new classroom guidance aims to help students develop empathy, respect, and emotional literacy. From primary school, children will learn about boundaries and consent, while older students will explore ethics, power dynamics in relationships, and the impact of online influences.
'We want to support healthy relationships, ensure misogyny is stamped out, and equip students with the tools to navigate the digital world,' a government source told The Times.
The lessons also aim to address issues raised by parents, teachers, and campaigners following a string of violent incidents involving young men and radical online ideologies. The parents of a Southport stabbing survivor praised Adolescence for highlighting the dangers of online misogyny. Their daughter was one of several victims in a 2024 attack by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, who was sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is reportedly revising guidance issued by the previous Conservative government, which limited sex education for children under nine and restricted classroom discussions on gender identity. The revised guidance will focus on early intervention and digital literacy.
In secondary schools, students will be encouraged to discuss topics such as communication, vulnerability, pornography, and managing difficult emotions like anger and jealousy. Teachers have also been instructed to watch for signs of 'incel culture' and misogynistic attitudes among boys aged 14 and older.
The initiative has received support from public figures, including former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who last week criticised 'manipulative' influencers targeting boys. In his Dimbleby Lecture, Southgate warned of a culture where masculinity is defined by wealth, dominance, and emotional suppression, calling it 'callous, toxic, and dangerous.'
The creators of Adolescence say they hope the show will lead to lasting change. 'We made this to spark conversation,' said Stephen Graham. 'If it gets people to think differently or to listen more closely, then we've done our job.'