How peer-led approaches can help schools address misogyny

Empowering students can break down harmful stereotypes and create safer, more inclusive environments, says Scottish headteacher John Naples-Campbell
10th April 2025, 2:51pm
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How peer-led approaches can help schools address misogyny

https://www.tes.com/magazine/teaching-learning/general/how-peer-led-approaches-can-help-schools-address-misogyny

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of discussing toxic masculinity, misogyny and the dangers of the “manosphere” with young people, particularly teenage boys.

With Netflix drama Adolescence shedding light on these issues and starting conversations around the cultural forces that shape the way boys think about themselves and others, now is the time for all schools in Scotland to step up and take action.

One of the most effective ways to address these concerns is through programmes such as Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP), which offers schools a proactive, peer-led approach to challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Misogyny and the manosphere

The rise of online communities such as the ”manosphere” has significantly contributed to the perpetuation of misogynistic ideologies among young people. These spaces, which often promote negative stereotypes about women, encourage boys and young men to view gender dynamics through a distorted and harmful lens.

Unfortunately, these beliefs can have a lasting impact on behaviour, relationships and attitudes toward women, creating environments where sexism and violence are normalised.

Adolescence does an excellent job of portraying the dangerous ideas that young boys are exposed to and the impact that these views can have on their sense of identity and their interactions with peers, particularly young women.

By opening up this conversation, it has become clear that we cannot afford to ignore the growing need to challenge such attitudes at an early stage.

One of the most powerful ways to counteract these harmful ideologies is through programmes such as MVP. It empowers students to recognise and challenge violence, harassment and harmful gender norms, with support from Education Scotland, the national curriculum and inspection agency.

The programme aims to create a culture of respect and support, where students learn to intervene and speak up against toxic behaviours.

Students are trained to be mentors who lead discussions on topics such as consent, healthy relationships and the importance of mutual respect between genders.

By engaging their peers in meaningful conversations, they can break down misconceptions about masculinity and offer positive role models for others to follow.

Balanced approach to violence prevention

Importantly, MVP doesn’t solely focus on boys; it works with both male and female students to create a balanced approach to violence prevention and foster empathy, understanding and healthy communication.

For Scottish schools, now is the perfect time to integrate MVP into their curricula. Education Scotland’s focus on improving wellbeing and relationships in schools aligns perfectly with the goals of MVP, which aims to reduce violence and promote respectful relationships.

Such programmes have the potential to be a game-changer in the fight against misogyny and the harmful influence of the manosphere on young minds. Specifically, by applying the type of approaches used in MVP, schools can:

1. Combat gender-based violence

MVP helps students identify and challenge behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, equipping them with the tools they need to intervene and stop harmful behaviours in their tracks.

2. Promote positive masculinity

Instead of focusing solely on the negative aspects of toxic masculinity, the programme promotes a healthy and inclusive version of masculinity that is based on respect, empathy and equality.

3. Create safe spaces for dialogue

If students can discuss difficult topics such as misogyny, consent and bullying in a safe and supportive environment, they feel heard and validated in their experiences. This can foster deeper empathy and create lasting change within school cultures.

4. Engage peer influence

Given the powerful role that peer influence plays in shaping attitudes and behaviours, peer-led approaches are particularly effective in reaching students. Young people are more likely to listen to and learn from their peers, making this model an ideal way to address harmful attitudes.

5. Meet educational priorities

Education Scotland aims to foster a culture of inclusion, respect and safety in schools. MVP directly supports these priorities by providing a structured framework for teaching about respectful relationships, equality and diversity.

Essential to provide tools for empathy and equality

The issues of misogyny and the manosphere are not abstract problems; they are affecting real students in schools across Scotland. Adolescence has brought these issues to the forefront, and now is the time to take concrete action.

It’s not enough to simply acknowledge these problems; we must actively work to address them. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that we provide our young people with the tools they need to create a culture of respect, empathy and equality.

MVP shows that Scottish schools can empower their students to make positive changes in their communities, break down harmful stereotypes and create safer, more inclusive environments.

Through peer-led education, schools can make a lasting impact on the way young people think about themselves and others - transforming the future for the better. Let’s make sure that every school in Scotland is part of this critical movement.

John Naples-Campbell is a headteacher at a 3-18 school in the Highlands of Scotland

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