Writer Becky Hunter Kelm reflects on the stark reality that UK schools are now rolling out anti-misogyny interventions to counter the radicalisation of boys and young men. It’s come to this—and as uncomfortable as that is to admit, it has to be done.
A £20m two-pronged strategy aimed at tackling misogyny and the radicalisation of boys and young men will be implemented by the UK government to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade.
Starting in 2026, teachers will attend training on the signs of misogyny amongst students, consent, and the use of intimate images. Young people identified as at risk will be sent on behavioural courses to tackle prejudice against women and girls.
READ MORE: ‘Misogyny has a fresh face every generation’
As a Christian mum, an ex-youth and school worker, I can’t believe it’s come to this, and yet I can.
As a Christian mum, an ex-youth and school worker, I can’t believe it’s come to this, and yet I can. Italy has recently passed a law defining femicide as a crime, and UK Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has described violence against women and girls as a “national emergency”, adding the government’s aim was to be “so ambitious that we change culture”. And I think they’re absolutely right. A Kingdom culture change is the only real solution.
Some critics of the move said we’ve all been too impacted by watching Adolescence on Netflix. I was one of the thousands of parents who watched it and was horrified by the way unmonitored online consumption can lead to young people finding the longing and connection they’re made for with radical groups online, instead of within the family unit.
READ MORE: Internalised misogyny prevents too many Christian women from seeking justice in the case of patriarchal abuses
‘Liberal Democrats spokeswoman for women and equalities Marie Goldman pointed out that unless the training was accompanied by steps to “properly moderate online content,” she had no doubt it would fail.’
Good news on this is that the Home Office will also ban “nudification” tools that use AI to turn images of real people into fake nude pictures, and develop nudity detection filters with tech companies, so it will be impossible to take or view nude photos. I agree with Goldman that there needs to be way more moderation of the internet, but I also think we have a responsibility as parents not only to keep screens out of our kids’ bedrooms, but also to push back against the rhetoric that once our kids hit 12, friends and the online abyss take over the role of the family.
When children enter adolescence, they don’t stop needing their mums and dads.
When children enter adolescence, they don’t stop needing their mums and dads. In fact, this is when they need us more than ever. Yes, they might roll their eyes at a mum-hug, but we need to find ways to keep that deep connection with our pre-teens and teens, because this counterfeit sense of belonging is what these online radical groups are offering.
READ MORE: Andrew Tate, misogyny in the media and why Christians should be paying attention
‘Domestic abuse charity Reducing the Risk reports that nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships are victims of abuse, and that online influencers feed into this. A YouGov poll found that one in five boys aged 13 to 15 had a positive view of the self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate.’ This is highly disturbing, and it’s time to rise up against the evil lies of misogyny, which is a direct attack from the enemy on the God-ordained family unit.
It’s time to teach our children that men and women were made in the image of God, and are equally beloved and valuable in his sight. It’s time to drop to our knees and pray for our nation, and this new government strategy.
If you’re reading this and you’re a teacher, youth worker, social worker, or policewoman, be encouraged that God is with you as you work with young people. As you teach teenagers that God made them and they are worthy of respect, whether they’re a girl or a boy, may God use you powerfully to keep more girls safe from violence.
If any of these issues have affected you, you can call Premier Lifeline for support. Premier Lifeline is a national, confidential helpline offering a listening ear, emotional and spiritual support from a Christian perspective. If you would like someone to talk with and pray for you, call Premier Lifeline on 0300 111 0101.
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