The initiative provides free lesson plans, a podcast episode, and an on-demand training course designed to educate students on the impact of misogyny, debunk inaccurate beliefs, and promote safe ways to challenge and limit the spread of harmful misconceptions.
Since their release in June, the materials have been downloaded over 1000 times and are anticipated to reach more than 300,000 pupils in the coming months. This launch aligns with updated statutory guidance for Relationship, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE), which emphasises addressing harmful online narratives while affirming that most young men treat girls and women with respect.
The lesson pack, titled 'Challenging the narrative: Thinking critically about misogyny', is supported by funding from the European Research Council and is grounded in academic research on social learning, prejudice reduction, and attitude change.
Complementing the lessons, a new podcast episode produced by the PSHE Association features Professor Harriet Over from the University of York’s Department of Psychology. The episode explores the historical and economic factors driving misogynistic content online.
“"These lessons are based on decades of psychological research into how to encourage positive relations between children, as well as on extensive conversations with teachers and young people."
“"There are reasons to be optimistic for the future, as new approaches and interventions have shown some successful results, but it takes educators, families and whole communities to come together to support young people on how to develop healthy relationships and mutual respect."
“"It is also important that we have feedback from teachers on our resources so that we can continue to focus on the right areas, improve our understanding, and offer the best guidance we can."
Key components of the package include a Key Stage 3-4 lesson pack focused on critical thinking and online safety, a podcast examining the business models behind online radicalisation, and a self-led course to enhance teacher confidence in facilitating sensitive classroom discussions. Further information and downloads are available via the PSHE Association website.
