Yousaf launches plans to tackle gender-based violence after increase in 'misogyny' in schools across Scotland

The First Minister has revealed plans to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in schools after research showed an increase in “misogynistic views”.

The frameworks, developed alongside Rape Crisis Scotland and Zero Tolerance, sets out how schools can use education to challenge societal views that normalise GBV.

The crackdown on GBV comes after a report from The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research found that there was an increase in misogynistic views and language within schools.

The framework aims to support schools by “demonstrating the different ways GBV can affect young people in a school community and highlighting how schools can challenge the underlying gender inequalities which can cause it”.

It also aims to provide guidance on how schools can respond to reports of GBV experienced by staff and pupils as well as outlining how schools can record and offer further support and learning around the issue.

Yousaf launched the framework alongside education secretary Jenny Gilruth during a visit to Moffat Academy where they heard about a pupil-led approach to promoting gender equality.

The First Minister said the government plans to work closely with local authorities, schools and pupils to tackle the issue at the route of gender-based violence.

“There’s a whole lot of research and studies, including the work that we’ve done on behaviour in Scottish schools that shows that violence in schools and gender-based violence is certainly an issue and a problem,” Yousaf told STV News.

“And I know that not just as First Minister, but as a father to a teenager, how concerning that issue can be.”

Co-director at Zero Tolerance Laura Tomson said: “We’re proud to have been closely involved in the development of the Gender Based Violence in Schools Framework.

“The guidance is a vital step towards preventing and responding to boys’ sexual harassment, rape, and abuse of girls, which is all too common.

“We now look to the Scottish Government to demonstrate its commitment to ending boys’ violence against girls by resourcing the guidance’s implementation so both teachers and children can focus on learning.”