Read More: Girl, 11, was one of UK’s youngest revenge porn victims
Safe Schools Alliance are horrified to read that girls as young as 11 are becoming victims of ‘revenge porn’, the practice of sharing sexually explicit images online (often by a former partner), without consent, for the purpose of causing distress and embarrassment.
On top of the hurt, confusion and humiliation caused to these girls so early in their lives, some victims are also forced to move schools. Whilst young girls should be enjoying their childhood and showing enthusiasm and aspirations for life, they are instead suffering the sexual trauma which they are ill-equipped to understand or deal with at such a young age.
Rape Crisis note that young girls are under ‘relentless pressure’ to engage in sexual activity and share sexual images. We would again like to highlight the alarming statistics reported in the NEU/UK Feminsta study which found that in-school sexual harassment and assault is largely committed by boys against girls. When will the Government, Department for Education and Gavin Williamson act on this? http://bit.ly/2OT2TW7
The harm of revenge porn extends beyond its victims. This criminal behaviour creates a hostile environment for ALL students — especially girls. It is unsurprising that mental health conditions are on the rise when there is such malicious and vindictive behaviour between students.
Safe Schools Alliance question whether growing up in an environment which is so hostile towards young girls has contributed to the 4500% increase in girls identifying as transgender. We urge Amber Rudd to follow up the inquiry ordered by Penny Mordaunt: http://bit.ly/2N5WJ2c
Schools have a duty under the Equality Act to foster good relationships between protected characteristics, including between the sexes. We feel that schools may be overlooking this duty in favour of more fashionable initiatives and urge school leaders to review their approach.
Safe Schools Alliance again express our disappointment at the delay in introducing age verification for porn. Readily available misogynistic and violent porn on smartphones contributes to the sexism experienced by women and girls. We urge Boris Johnson to take immediate action.
High quality PSHE and RSE is essential in tackling this epidemic. Children MUST be taught about the law regarding consent — including the distribution of images of under 18s. @educationgovuk must support schools in this.
If you are as concerned about these issues as we are, we once again urge people to contact their MP: https://bit.ly/2cqHTlG