Context

In 2020 the girls in our Steering Group raised their concerns/worries about the normalisation of child on child harm in schools, in particular the prevalence of sexism and misogyny.

At the same time it became clear that the problem was not just local, with the launch of Everyone's Invited and the 2021 Ofsted report into Sexual Abuse in schools. We needed to do something.

In consultation with the girls, we designed the Positive Relationships Project to help give young people the opportunity to design initiatives for positive change within their school communities. We are passionate about supporting girls and young women to raise their voices. Additionally we recognised that it was essential to include everyone in this project to create meaningful, youth-led, positive change.

NOTE Abuse between children is not restricted to gender-based abuse – children also need help to tackle racist, homophobic and other forms of abuse. We believe all students need to feel safe and equal in their school community, be reminded of what a positive relationship is and how to stand up and advocate for themselves and others.

  • 45% of teenage girls have been groped against their will
  • 50% of boys have received unwanted sexual images
  • 66% of LGBTQ+ young people are bullied at school
  • 90% of girls have received unsolicited images

Safe & Equal Data

Over the 3 years we have been working with young people on this project we have surveyed 1592 children in 7 secondary schools. In most cases one year group (usually year 9) were consulted, however in one school the whole school responded.

Questions asked are about feelings of safety, experiences of reporting child-on-child abuse as well as gender stereotypes.

Participant gender response

A pie graph showing response to the question "What is your gender?" Answer Female 47.6%, Male 43.7%, Non-binary 4.9%, Other 3.8%

“What is your gender?”

Female 47.6%
Male 43.7%
Non-binary 4.9%
Other 3.8%

Safety in School

A pie graph showing response to the question "How often do you feel safe at school?" Answer Some of the time 54%, All of the time 36%, Rarely 8%, Never 2%

“How often do you feel safe at school?”

Some of the time 54%
All of the time 36%
Rarely 8%
Never 2%

Child on child abuse

A pie graph showing response to the question "Have you ever been subject to child on child abuse?" Answer 26% yes, 74% no

“Have you been subject to child on child abuse?”

No 74%
Yes 26%