Half of girls hear misogynistic comments at school

Half of secondary-age girls heard misogynistic comments from other students at school in the days before they took part in a government survey.

In the Department for Education survey of 1,653 secondary students, carried out in May, 50 per cent of female key stage 3 and 4 students said they had heard such comments on at least some days in the previous week.

When students were previously asked this question in December 2025, the proportion was 44 per cent.

The proportion of boys hearing misogynistic comments also increased, from 29 per cent to 36 per cent, over the same period.

Students participating in the survey were told that misogynistic comments meant those showing hatred of girls and women, or a belief that boys and men are better than them.

Concerns over girls’ safety

These research findings emerge amid concerns that a sizeable minority of boys endorse harmful messages fuelled by “the manosphere”, while teachers have called for training on how to deal with toxic masculinity.

However, while the latest DfE figures show a rise since December 2025, they are actually down on March 2025, when 68 per cent of girls and 40 per cent of boys said they had heard misogynistic comments.

The latest parent, pupil and learner voice (PPLV) survey also included 16- to 19-year-olds for the first time (1,651 in total), and across all students and learners polled, 50 per cent of females and 35 per cent of males reported hearing misogynistic comments.

Almost a third of female students and learners had also heard comments that made them worry about the safety of girls and women, compared with 18 per cent of males.

Across different age groups, 22 per cent of KS3 students, 30 per cent of those at KS4 and 26 per cent of 16- to 19-year-olds reported hearing comments that caused concern.

Fewer parents aware of mental health support

The PPLV survey also showed a fall in parents’ awareness of mental health support available through schools.

Some 41 per cent of 874 primary parents polled said they were aware of mental health and wellbeing support available through their child’s school, down from 57 per cent in May 2025.

Among the 1,032 secondary parents surveyed, the figure fell from 67 to 48 per cent, and from 61 to 49 per cent among special-school parents.

But students reported increased confidence in support: 59 per cent at KS3 said they would feel comfortable speaking to an adult at school about their mental health, up from 50 per cent the previous year. This rose from 47 per cent to 57 per cent among KS4 students.

The survey findings come after education secretary Lucy Powell announced a new framework at the weekend to help schools tackle misogyny, including practical guides, teacher training and parent support.

The DfE said this will build on its strengthened relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) curriculum, improving teaching about harmful behaviour and navigating online risks.

The government said it will invest £150,000 in a new RSHE expert advisory group to help support the new curriculum.