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Question
The MP questioned the delay in implementing measures against sexual harassment despite warnings since 2016, including a Women and Equalities Committee finding of up to one in three girls experiencing unwanted touching. She asked how the Government plans to hold schools accountable for not addressing these issues effectively.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that the government acknowledges past delays and is now taking action through updating statutory guidance on dealing with reports of sexual abuse, introducing a new RSHE curriculum, and working closely with Ofsted to ensure robust policies are in place. She emphasised the importance of local safeguarding partnerships engaging schools effectively.
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Question
The MP asked if there were differences in handling cases involving same-sex sexual abuse compared to heterosexual cases, considering the challenges faced by LGBT+ youth.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that all cases of sexual abuse are treated equally and seriously. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that all young people feel confident in reporting incidents without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
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Question
The MP questioned the measures to prevent children from accessing pornography online, especially given recent estimates that 1.4 million children access it monthly in the UK.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted actions under the Online Safety Bill aimed at protecting children from harmful content like online pornography. She also mentioned the work of the Children’s Commissioner to explore quicker measures to protect children before the bill's implementation.
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Question
The MP sought clarity on how the new RSHE curriculum will be supported, given that some teachers feel uncomfortable teaching it.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that dedicated time from inset days is being provided for staff training to help deliver the RSHE curriculum effectively. She also mentioned working with school leaders and other agencies to provide support.
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Question
The MP raised concerns about older students supporting the delivery of the RSHE curriculum and asked if this was being properly considered.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that they are considering how to involve older students in supporting the delivery of the RSHE curriculum while ensuring it complements existing good practice.
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Question
Acknowledging the bravery of those who came forward with testimonials, Kyle questions why it has taken so long for action and criticises the government's delayed response despite warnings since 2016. He mentions statistics and calls for a clear plan to tackle sexual abuse backed by dates.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Kyle for his remarks and acknowledges the bravery of those who came forward but refutes suggestions that no action was taken, citing existing measures such as statutory safeguarding guidance from 2015. She mentions improvements in the curriculum on relationships and sex education and discusses ongoing consultations on violence against women and girls.
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Question
Questions why failings were not previously identified by Ofsted or ISI, suggests a review into advice provided to schools by local authority inspectors for consistency, asks how the government will raise parental awareness of safeguarding issues and if parental induction programmes will be provided.
Minister reply
The Minister reassures Halfon that all schools must comply with statutory guidance and confirms updates. She mentions Ofsted's suggestions for strengthening inspection regimes including single-sex group discussions and requesting records from school leaders. The minister also discusses parental advice, mentioning the involvement of parents in phone purchase decisions and suggesting more schools work closely with parents.
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Question
Welcomes the statement but highlights insufficient education on consent for students and teachers. Asks for a guarantee that consent will be central to RSHE curriculum and every staff member can access training.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the importance of teaching consent, stating it is part of the RSHE curriculum starting in primary school where topics such as healthy relationships are discussed.
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Question
The figures in the Ofsted report are shocking, indicating widespread sexual harassment and violence. Will schools that fail to address these issues be considered outstanding? Will Ofsted inspections include a formal assessment of progress on cultural change?
Minister reply
Schools failing in safeguarding will face action. The Minister agrees with the need to strengthen Ofsted's role in assessing cultural change and tackling sexual harassment.
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Question
Young people often do not report sexual abuse due to a lack of confidence that action will be taken. How can we empower them to come forward and ensure effective reporting mechanisms are in place?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees and emphasises the importance of a supportive environment, designated safeguarding leads, and collaboration among various stakeholders including police and health bodies.
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Question
Is the RSHE curriculum adequate to address digital age challenges? What steps will be taken to ensure it is LGBT-inclusive, high-quality, and empowers young people regarding consent and redress?
Minister reply
The new RSHE curriculum will be compulsory from September. Teachers need more support in delivering it, and inset days are encouraged for this purpose.
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Question
Stroud High School girls' initiative to address peer harassment is commended. How will the online harms legislation protect young people from sharing of unsolicited images and other online abuses?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms strong protections for children in the online safety Bill, including requirements to protect them from illegal and harmful content. Peer-on-peer sharing remains a challenge.
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Question
Will the NSPCC helpline continue beyond October? Should there be specific parts of RSHE addressing boys' behaviour and attitudes towards sexual harassment?
Minister reply
The Minister discusses funding for existing helplines including ChildLine. She emphasises teaching healthy relationships in RSHE, avoiding generalizations about male behavior.
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Question
I commend my hon. Friend for the progress made in providing effective education to equip young people with skills to deal with inappropriate sexual behaviour. Despite numerous reviews of safeguarding arrangements, we still lack a sufficiently robust duty on schools to co-operate with local safeguarding partnerships. Does the Minister agree?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the importance of the question and notes that schools are under a statutory duty to co-operate with safeguarding partners once named as relevant agencies. She emphasises the need for close relationships between schools, police, health services, and local authorities to support effective safeguarding practices.
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Question
Sexism and sexual harassment harm both boys and girls in school environments. Four years ago, more than three-quarters of secondary school students were unsure or unaware of policies to prevent sexism. What difference will today’s statement make for primary and secondary schools in Newcastle?
Minister reply
The minister outlines four immediate actions: supporting designated safeguarding leads with better advice, increasing funding for the NSPCC helpline, providing teachers with extra support on RSHE curriculum delivery, and ensuring that local safeguarding partnerships are effective in every area.
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Question
The review has revealed that different parts of the state do not always work together effectively to deal with cases of sexual abuse. Will the Minister confirm she will be working with the Home Office, local government, and other bodies to ensure swift and consistent case handling?
Minister reply
The minister confirms a cross-Government approach involving three Ministers from different departments who are responsible for safeguarding children's welfare. She highlights teamwork across Government, teachers, parents, and concerned individuals as essential in addressing issues of child safety.