Challenging Conversations: Talking Masculinity in Schools

In this live event, safeguarding, pastoral, and PSHE experts explore the latest research to explain why misogyny is on the rise, how it appears in school environments, and what educators can do to foster open communication and challenge harmful narratives. Key themes: Recognise the influence of online extremism. Gain insight into how social media and online platforms can promote harmful gender stereotypes and extremist content, and understand the specific ways these messages are affecting the attitudes and behaviours of young people, particularly boys. Create safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue. Learn practical strategies to foster a classroom environment where students feel safe to explore and question ideas about masculinity, without fear of shame or judgment. Use language that encourages reflection, not blame. Discover how to frame discussions around gender and masculinity in a constructive way that invites critical thinking, encourages empathy, and avoids reinforcing defensiveness or division. Address desensitisation and build media literacy. Understand the psychological impact of repeated exposure to extreme content and develop tools to help students recognise, question, and resist harmful narratives in the media they consume.