Misogyny doesn’t start in adulthood. It takes root early: in “jokes”, in group chats, in online comment sections, and in the quiet peer pressure that tells boys what they’re supposed to be.
That’s why the UK’s cross-government strategy VAWG strategy, Freedom from Violence and Abuse, published in December 2025, puts prevention at the heart of the solution, and something at HEP we champion through The Bro Code.
“Effective prevention begins with education”
And it’s why early prevention and early intervention is one of the core objectives of the government’s VAWG strategy. The strategy highlights: “Supporting schools to challenge misogyny, ensuring every child understands consent and healthy relationships, while equipping parents, teachers and role models to intervene early and guide young people to act with empathy, respect and kindness to others.”
This is a whole-society approach, backed by investment and a long-term commitment to cultural change from the government. But schools are where that strategy becomes real, or where opportunities can be missed.
Because, if we don’t create structured, safe spaces for boys to talk honestly about masculinity, consent, and respect, someone else will fill that gap. And right now, too often, that “someone” is a harmful online influencer.
A clear challenge for schools: missed opportunities for early intervention
Many staff already know what’s changed in recent years:
- Online misogyny is increasingly visible and influential
- Teachers are reporting growing challenges around respect and relationships
- Boys are under pressure from peers, social media and culture, and they need support to navigate this
We can’t assembly our way out of this. A single message, delivered once, rarely shifts a deeply reinforced culture.
If prevention is the goal, schools need an approach that is:
- Planned
- Consistent
- Age-appropriate
- Built for real classroom delivery
- Supported for staff and parents
Enter, The Bro Code, written by author Alan Bissett and expert teacher Kimberly McVeigh, in partnership with Haringey Education Partnership.
Introducing: The Bro Code (KS3 & KS4)
A fully resourced module to challenge misogyny and sexism.
The Bro Code is designed to open honest, age-appropriate conversations with young men about:
- Masculinity
- Consent
- Respect for women and girls
- Healthy relationships
- Peer pressure
- Online influence
- Emotional wellbeing
It creates space for pupils to reflect, challenge stereotypes, and practise positive behaviours, not through shaming, but through building understanding, responsibility, and strength.
It’s about empowering young people.
What students will learn
Through discussion and structured activities, students learn how to:
- Recognise and resist harmful messages
- Challenge stereotypes and peer norms
- Understand consent and relationship respect
- Respond to red flags and pressure
- Strengthen emotional wellbeing and self-control
- Model respect, empathy, and integrity beyond school
The impact doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It’s about helping young people thrive.
The 6-week curriculum outline (KS3 & KS4)
This isn’t a one-off. It’s a coherent module with momentum and progression:
- Week 1 – Introduction to Misogyny and Gender Respect
- Week 2 – Mind Over Misogyny
- Week 3 – Recognising Red Flags and Relationship Respect
- Week 4 – Social Media and Influencers
- Week 5 – Challenging Misogyny and Peer Pressure
- Week 6 – Flexing Mental Muscles
What’s included (everything you need to deliver well)
Schools don’t just get “ideas”. You get a complete package:
- Lesson plans
- Student workbook
- Teacher & Parent guide
- Instructional videos so teachers can deliver each session with confidence
- Parent session handout
- Parental session PowerPoint
- Further reading list
This means schools can build consistent messaging across staff, pupils, and families, without reinventing the wheel.
Why this matters right now
The window for prevention is early. Culture is being shaped daily, and often by voices that profit from division, dominance, and resentment.
The Bro Code gives schools a practical way to respond:
- With clarity
- With confidence
- With a planned, supportive structure
- With a focus on respect, consent, and wellbeing
- Aligned with the national direction of travel: prevention through education
Ready to take early intervention seriously?
If we believe “effective prevention begins with education”, then we need to give educators the right tools.
The Bro Code is built to help schools face this challenge head-on, closing the gap between what we know matters and what we’re currently resourced to do.
It’s time to stop missing opportunities for intervention and equip young people to thrive, free from harm.
Not a HEP member school, but want access to The Bro Code, contact maya.cardwell@haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk
Coming soon: The Bro Code Junior
The Bro Code Junior is currently in development and will be published before the end of the 25/26 school year. Watch this space for updates.
About the Author
Maya Cardwell
Maya is Head of Communications and Engagement at HEP.