Schools to teach healthy relationship rules to ‘stop abuse before it starts’

All secondary schools in England will have to teach students about healthy relationships to tackle misogyny and ‘stop abuse before it starts’.

Ministers have announced plans to intervene early on worrying behaviour in young people as part of the government’s strategy to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade.

New plans will see teachers given specialist training to talk to pupils about issues such healthy relationships and consent.

Children who show harm towards relatives or in relationships will also be signed up to behaviour change programmes.

And a new helpline will be set up for teens concerned about their own behaviour in relationships.

Prime minister Sir Keir said: ‘Every parent should be able to trust that their daughter is safe at school, online and in her relationships. But too often toxic ideas are taking hold early and going unchallenged.

‘This Government is stepping in sooner – backing teachers, calling out misogyny, and intervening when warning signs appear – to stop harm before it starts.

‘This is about protecting girls and driving forward education and conversation with boys and young men, which is a responsibility we owe to the next generation, and one this Government will deliver.’