Sadiq Khan has launched a new £1million toolkit for London primary schools, with the goal of combatting the influence of online misogyny.
The mayor warned that social media, and the “pernicious influence” of figures like the self-professed “misogynist” Andrew Tate, is having a damaging impact on young children.
Mr Khan on Friday wrote a letter to every primary school in London, stressing the importance of young boys and girls learning about equality and respect.
According to City Hall, the mayoral-funded toolkit has been developed by educational experts Tender2, and “uses workshops, drama and interactive sessions in the classroom to engage with young Londoners aged between 9-11 and champion healthy and respectful relationships and attitudes”.
Mr Khan said: “It’s never too early to start educating young Londoners about the need to treat one another fairly and kindly. And it’s important for young boys and girls to learn about equality and respect for one another.
“That’s why I have written to all primary school headteachers in the capital today to outline the support, resources and funding I’m investing from City Hall so this important training can be delivered to thousands of young Londoners. It will give teachers the expert training they need to empower the next generation of Londoners to stand up to sexism and misogyny in all its forms.”
The new toolkit is now available online for all London primary schools. Online courses will train teachers to run the classes and workshops.
The mayor’s team pointed towards research showing that young people are being increasingly exposed to misogynist influencers on social media.
According to the pollster Savanta, almost one in three young men aged 16 to 25 see Andrew Tate as a role model.
A report by the Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, meanwhile found last year that one in 10 children have watched pornography by the time they are nine years old, prompting concerns that this is negatively shaping children’s understanding of girls and relationships.
“There has never been a more important time to counter the pernicious influence of those who preach misogyny online,” said Mr Khan. “We must ensure that young people are clear what healthy and respectful relationships are about before they start seeing content from individuals like Andrew Tate online.
“I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that ending violence against women and girls is treated with the utmost urgency both by our police, and society as a whole to build a safer London for all.”
Among those supporting the mayor’s initiative is the DJ and broadcaster Ashley James, who said: “As a mum-of-two, I’m really pleased that the Mayor of London is introducing education in primary schools to help tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls.
“Nobody is born a misogynist but social media and other influences can embed harmful ideas unless children have already built a strong foundation of equality and respect.”
Emma, a headteacher at a north London primary school, said: “Supporting our children to recognise and develop healthy and respectful relationships is absolutely vital as we aim to set them up for a positive future.
“Broaching issues like misogyny and sexism with young children can be really challenging and is something that we need to be prepared to deal with. Thanks to the mayor’s new teacher toolkit, we now have expertly crafted, tried and tested tools and activities to safely and confidently teach this important subject matter.”
