1. Stretford High Safeguarding Update
September 2018

2. Headlines Sexual Bullying in Schools
Over a third (37%) of girls at mixed-sex schools have been sexually harassed while at school
Over a third (34%) of primary school teachers say they witness gender stereotyping in their schools on at least a weekly basis
64% of teachers in mixed-sex secondary schools hear sexist language in schools on at least a weekly basis.
A survey by the UK National Union of Teachers (NUT) suggests that sexual bullying is most often carried out by boys against girls, although girls are increasingly harassing girls and boys in a sexual manner. Their findings show:
45% of teenage girls have had their bottom or breasts groped against their will
38% of young people have received unwanted sexual images
37% hear ‘slag’ used often or all the time
65% of gay or bisexual young people experience homophobic bullying in school
48% of teachers have witnessed sexist language from one peer to another
66% of LGBT young people suffer from bullying at school and 58% of them never report and half of them skip school as a result

3. Why do you need to know this?
Although there is no official definition, sexual bullying can be defined as a behaviour, physical or non-physical, where sexuality or gender is used as a weapon against another.
Sexual bullying is any behaviour which degrades someone, singles someone out by the use of sexual language, gestures or violence, and victimising someone for their appearance. Sexual bullying is also pressure to act promiscuously and to act in a way that makes others uncomfortable. 
It is common across all schools and is happening at Stretford High.
Sexual bullying can have a serious impact on those who experience it and those who witness it.
There are reports of rape happening in UK schools. The spectrum is large and we need to be vigilant that we stop and challenge low level as well highly problematic behaviours and language.
Challenge – Report – Prevent

4. Challenging Gender Bias

5. Resources and research