The Issue: Misogyny is rising at primary level
- parents and schools can help stop it

Children’s attitudes towards gender are largely established by the age of seven. Gender stereotyping, sexist language and harmful behaviour is high and increasing in primary school settings. 

 

There is growing concern amongst educators, parents / carers and researchers about high and rising rates of gender stereotyping, sexist language and harmful behaviour in primary school settings and the role of online spaces in amplifying harmful attitudes, including misogyny, at younger ages.

 

Gender stereotypes and early exposure to misogyny shape children’s beliefs, behaviours and relationships from a young age, influencing how they understand and treat themselves and others.

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This affects both boys and girls, shaping their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and future educational and career pathways, limiting their potential and contributing to negative outcomes later in life.​​

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When certain attitudes and behaviours become normalised, they can lead to a lack of respect for others’ boundaries and experiences. This can include dismissing inappropriate comments as “just jokes,” accepting gender-based teasing, or not taking unwanted behaviour seriously.

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​Research shows that when such behaviours are overlooked, they can contribute to a wider culture in which disrespect and harm are tolerated. These can grow more serious over time with women and girls disproportionately affected by increasing harms such as harassment and sexual and physical assault. Restrictive gender attitudes impact negatively on boys and men as well, making them more likely to engage in (self) harmful behaviours and negatively impacting mental health. [4]

 

Early intervention, through supporting parents and schools, can have a positive impact on our children’s wellbeing today and  gender equality for all.