Toxic Masculinity’s Silent Victims: The Girls Forgotten in Schools

A film made by teenage girls from Tyneside has been shared with the Department for Education and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, highlighting the prevalence of misogyny in schools. The “rape list” created by boys is a stark reminder that this behavior is not isolated, but rather part of a broader pattern of toxic masculinity.

The North East has one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in England, with charities warning that unchallenged attitudes can lead to abuse in early relationships. This normalization of violent misogynistic attitudes within schools is particularly disturbing, as it suggests that young people are becoming desensitized to such behavior. According to Catherine Marchant, CEO of Impact Family Services, this attitude is then mirrored online and in music.

This is not just a regional issue; it’s a nationwide problem. The girls’ experiences are a symptom of a broader societal failure to teach boys what it means to be a healthy, respectful partner or friend. Dr. Alex Blower, founder of Boys’ Impact, points out that while there has been clear messaging for girls and young women about empowerment over the last 40 years, boys have been left behind.

Current interventions in schools often start from a place of assumption, implying that being a boy is inherently problematic rather than encouraging conversations around positive masculinity. This approach fails to address the root cause of toxic masculinity and inadvertently perpetuates it by neglecting its impact on boys themselves.

Generations of women are using services like Impact Family Services, breaking the cycle of abuse through education. However, these efforts can be hampered by a lack of resources and inadequate support. The government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls is welcome, but it’s unclear whether this will translate into tangible change.

The film made by these teenage girls is a powerful tool for sparking discussion and challenging attitudes. But we must do more than just show the film; we need honest conversations about what it means to be a man in today’s society. We need to create parallel narratives that celebrate healthy relationships, positive masculinity, and respect.

The onus shouldn’t solely lie with girls and young women to adapt their behavior or take long routes home at night. The responsibility lies with schools, policymakers, and communities to educate boys about what it means to be a positive influence and challenge the normalization of toxic masculinity. This requires a collective effort from all parties involved, recognizing that this isn’t just an issue affecting girls.

The girls’ film should be shown in schools across the country as part of a broader effort to address systemic change. We need to rethink how we approach education and tackle the root causes of toxic masculinity head-on. Anything less would be a disservice to these courageous young women who are fighting for their right to feel safe and respected.

If we fail to challenge the normalization of misogynistic attitudes in schools, we risk perpetuating a cycle of abuse with far-reaching consequences.