Under new government guidance, schools will begin teaching pupils how to identify and challenge misogynistic attitudes, spot deepfake adult content online, and understand the dangers of toxic ideologies such as the incel movement.

The move comes after the Department for Education warned that harmful views about women have reached what they describe as an “epidemic scale” among young people. A recent report found that more than half of 11 to 19-year-olds had witnessed misogynistic comments in their daily lives.

The updated guidance is designed to equip students with the tools to navigate increasingly complex online environments and to protect themselves and others from harmful content and behaviour.

While schools will have the option to adopt the new lessons starting this September, they will become mandatory for all institutions by September 2026.

The lessons will also focus on how technology is used to spread abuse and misinformation, including through deepfakes and manipulated imagery. Teachers will be supported with resources to help students critically assess what they see online and to promote respect and equality in and out of the classroom.

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