On 10 June, Ofsted published a rapid review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges. Emma Soutar, Training Officer for Child Exploitation at the University’s Centre for Child Protection (CCP), comments on the review and the need to ‘support and educate our children to safely navigate their online lives’. She said:
‘Sexual abuse and harassment in schools is very complex and requires an equally complex response. However, there is a growing sense of frustration that lessons are not being learnt. In 2014 the Ofsted report “It couldn’t happen here” highlighted the fact that child sexual exploitation (CSE) was not well understood and was vastly underestimated. Now we see similar issues and themes identified in the latest report from Ofsted on sexual abuse in schools and colleges highlighting that sexual harassment has become normalised, with teachers consistently underestimating the level of abuse.
‘The testimonies on Everyone’s Invited, a movement committed to eradicating rape culture, prompted this latest response and it is now vital we maintain momentum. Relationships and sex education are a statutory obligation, and we must ensure that this education is delivered to high standard, with professionals properly trained and equipped. Most importantly we must ensure that the child’s voice is central to this and that we support and educate our children to safely navigate their online lives. Healthy relationships and mutual respect need to be embedded throughout the curriculum in the same way that core subjects like maths and English are. This would go some way to creating a much-needed change in culture.’
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The Centre for Child Protection is holding a free webinar on Thursday 17 June (11.00-11.40) to provide insights into its ‘Looking out for Lottie’ child protection serious game. The session will focus on image sharing and developing an understanding of the grooming process that can take place. Those interested can register via Eventbrite.
CCP is a centre of excellence based at the University’s Medway campus. It is part of the University’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, with an international reputation for practice and research and its teaching draws on its innovative work in many areas of child protection.