English secondary schools to address ‘incel’ culture and promote positive role models through relationships and sex education.

In a significant move to address concerning issues in England’s secondary schools, the government will issue new guidelines to tackle “incel” culture, the links between pornography and misogyny, and challenge harmful online misconceptions about women and relationships, known as the “manosphere”. The updated guidance, set to be published, will also emphasize positive models for boys and focus on resilience against online content and pressures. Addressing the nation’s educators and policymakers following the controversy around the Netflix show “Adolescence”, which depicted a 13-year-old boy arrested for murder, and amidst data showing a high prevalence of misogynistic attitudes in schools, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced the plans to better equip children to develop healthy attitudes and coping strategies from an early age. The curriculum aims to encourage students to take on challenges and learn resilience, with a special focus on mental health and suicide prevention from an expert and age-appropriate perspective. Parents will have access to all curriculum materials, ensuring transparency and flexibility. This guidance stresses the importance of a balanced education that fosters understanding, positivity, and protection against harmful influences, aligning with broader efforts to address the spread of misogynistic and toxic content.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jul/15/secondary-schools-england-to-tackle-incel-culture-relationships-sex-education