Safeguarding against Misandry

SSS Learning 1 min read
Safeguarding against Misandry feature image

The term misogyny is widely recognised in both social and political commentary and, within the safeguarding remit, has gained particular prominence. Whilst recent documentaries and television dramas have raised the profile of this abusive behaviour, the same cannot be said for misandry.

Although highlighted in statutory safeguarding guidance across the UK, we are yet to see a strong focus on tackling misandric behaviours to safeguard against this type of targeted abuse.

What is misandry?

The term misandry is used to define the distrust, hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys. Manifesting in everyday culture, particularly prevalent in social media content, misandry can range from casual stereotyping to systemic issues in specific contexts.

Recognising how misandry is expressed is crucial to support and safeguard both pupils and staff. Common presentations of misandry include:

  • Cultural Stereotypes: such as the portrayal of boys and men as being emotionally unavailable or promoting stereotypes such as big boys don’t cry;
  • Dismissal of Vulnerabilities: attitudes that mock or invalidate male mental health and emotional difficulties or their experiences as victims of abuse, a narrative where boys and men should man up or be a real man;
  • Attributing negative behaviour to gender stereotypes: such as viewing violence, aggression, power or greed as inherently male traits rather than understanding them through social, psychological, or situational lenses;
  • Institutional Distrust: where gender stereotypes paint males in caregiving roles, such as teaching, nursing, or early childhood education, with suspicion or distrust.

KCSIE 2026

The statutory guidance Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) references misandry alongside misogyny to ensure there is a whole-school approach to safeguarding and preventative education. Therefore it is essential that staff in schools understand the term misandry and how it may present.

Key directives regarding misandry in KCSIE


1. Preventative Education & School Culture

  • KCSIE places misandry alongside misogyny, sexism, homophobia, and biphobia as discriminatory behaviours that schools must actively address to maintain a safe, respectful environment.
  • The guidance challenges normalisation, instructing staff not to dismiss discriminatory remarks, harassment, or prejudice based on gender as mere banter or harmless behaviour, as doing so risks normalising abuse and discouraging victims from coming forward.

2. Child-on-Child Abuse Policies

  • School Child Protection and Safeguarding policies are expected to explicitly address child-on-child abuse, naming discriminatory behaviours which should include both misogyny and misandry.
  • Policies should state how staff are trained to recognise and challenge low-level discriminatory comments early to prevent the escalation into more severe forms of peer abuse or harassment.

3. Curriculum Integration (RSHE)

  • The guidance links directly with Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) framework expectations. Schools are required to deliver regular sessions exploring boundaries, gender stereotyping, consent, and mutual respect to tackle harmful prejudices at their root.

Addressing misandry sits alongside combating misogyny. Gaining an understanding of misandry enables staff to recognise how rigid gender roles and prejudice harm individuals of every gender. Promoting inclusive gender conversations and challenging both misogynistic and misandric behaviours fosters an environment which challenges stereotyping. This is vital to support emotional well-being across all gender identities, and enable a more inclusive school community.

SSS Learning

23 September 2026