Sadiq Khan launches £1m toolkit to help schools combat online misogyny

By Noah Vickors, Local Democracy Reporter

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a new £1million toolkit for primary schools, with the goal of combatting the influence of online misogyny.

According to City Hall, the 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 the ages of nine and 11, and champions healthy and respectful relationships and attitudes”.

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.

On Friday, Mr Khan wrote a letter to every primary school in London, stressing the importance of young boys and girls learning about equality and respect.

He 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.

“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.

“It will give teachers the expert training they need to empower the next generation to stand up to sexism and misogyny in all its forms.”

The mayor’s team pointed towards research showing that young people are being increasingly exposed to misogynistic influencers on social media.

According to 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 their understanding of girls and relationships.

Pictured top: London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that social media is having a damaging impact on young children (Picture: LDRS)