Teachers should not dismiss harassment as 'boys being boys', as Government issues first ever guidelines on sexual misconduct in schools

Teachers should not dismiss classroom harassment as "banter" or "boys being boys", as Government issues first ever guidelines for tackling sexual misconduct in schools.

The Department for Education's guidance focuses on sexual violence and sexual harassment between children at school and college, and is aimed at governing bodies, headteachers and principals.

It advises on what sexual violence and sexual harassment is, how to minimise the risk of it occurring and what to do when incidents occur, or are alleged to have occurred.

The document says: "Sexual violence and sexual harassment exist on a continuum and may overlap, they can occur online and offline (both physical and verbal) and are never acceptable.

"It is important that all victims are taken seriously and offered appropriate support."

It says it is more likely that girls will be victims of sexual violence and more likely that sexual harassment will be perpetrated by boys, adding that schools and colleges should be aware of the importance of making clear that sexual violence and sexual harassment is "not acceptable, will never be tolerated and is not an inevitable part of growing up".

The document says schools and colleges should be aware of the importance of "not tolerating or dismissing sexual violence or sexual harassment as 'banter', 'part of growing up', 'just having a laugh' or 'boys being boys"'.

It says they should also be aware of the importance of "challenging behaviours (which are potentially criminal in nature), such as grabbing bottoms, breasts and genitalia".

It adds: "Dismissing or tolerating such behaviours risks normalising them."

The document says it is important that schools and colleges consider sexual harassment in "broad terms", adding that sexual harassment "creates an atmosphere that, if not challenged, can normalise inappropriate behaviours and provide an environment that may lead to sexual violence".

Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said the union welcomes the advice "as a vital first step towards ensuring schools have the necessary confidence and understanding to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence between students".

He added: "We want to work with the DfE on this. Teachers, leaders, government and unions can all play a real part in making the difference for the next generation.

"We mustn't shame the girls or blame the boys but use powerful learning to help every young person be themselves and develop positive, healthy relationships.

"Sexism is learned behaviour and school is a brilliant place to unlearn it, given the right conditions."

A member of Girlguiding's Advocate Panel  said the advice is "a really important moment for girls and young women", adding: "Until now, sexualharassment in schools hasn't been taken seriously enough.

"After the £metoo campaign this feels like another opportunity for people to challenge unacceptable behaviour.

"As one of the organisations calling for this to change and working closely with the Department for Education to develop this guidance, Girlguiding is delighted to see the Government bringing light to this all too familiar issue."