On this page we explore
What is sexism?
Sexism is treating someone differently or thinking they are less worthy, because of their sex or gender.
Often it is the idea that one gender is better than the other at particular things. These are gender stereotypes such as “girls are better than boys at looking after children, or “saying football is a men’s game!”.
Sexism can make you feel excluded or judged, or feel like you may not be good at something because of other people’s sexist views.
What are gender stereotypes?
Gender stereotyping is the belief that you must behave in a certain way and like certain things because of your gender.
An example of this is that ‘all girls like fluffy animals and all boys like dinosaurs because they are a boy’, when this is not true.
Gender stereotyping is a type of discrimination and can affect things like people’s freedom of expression and what clubs they are offered or what jobs they do.
In the UK around 7% of firefighters employed by the Fire and Rescue Service are women, and around 11% of registered nurses in the UK are men.
What is masculinity and femininity?
Masculinity is a set of stereotypes, behaviours or characteristics often associated with being a boy or man.
Some of these stereotypes include ‘being strong’, ‘dominant’ or ‘not asking for help’.
Toxic masculinity is when male stereotypes are taken to the extreme such as ‘taking control away from others’ or ‘not showing your feelings’.
Femininity is the name for a set of stereotypes, behaviours and characteristics that are often associated with being a girl or woman.
Some of these stereotypes include being ’emotional’ or ‘weak’.
The pressure to fit into this idea of masculinity or femininity can make people feel unhappy, uncomfortable or judged if they don’t act or look a certain way.
Examples of sexism in school:
- “I come to school to learn and should feel safe but if I’m honest I really don’t feel safe.”
- “Women belong in the kitchen.”
- “Boys flicking girls’ bra straps… making inappropriate and uncomfortable comments about sex with girls in our year… groping/touching people at school without permission”
- “a teacher has said the reason why girls can’t play football is because it’s a boys sport”
- “Joking about rape” (this comment was mentioned multiple times)
- “I have received comments about my body that made me feel very uncomfortable”
- “I have also been asked out repeatedly by boys in my year who have then threatened to kill themselves after I said no multiple times”
Misogyny
The manosphere is a group of online sexist ideas, shared and discussed in digital forums – spaces where influencers spread misogynistic ideas, basically, harmful beliefs about women and girls. These messages can affect anyone who sees them.
They often talk about women in objectifying or dehumanising ways, using old stereotypes like “women belong in the kitchen” or “women should only be mums.” They also claim that men are the “real victims” and that feminism is hurting them.
Masculinity influencers provide a sense of belonging to boys, drawing them in on appearance, wealth, and sex – feeding harmful content to young people which may start off as jokey but quickly becomes rooted sexism.
Some of these influencers will try to hype you up into paying for some “secret method” they claim made them rich. But the truth is, they’re not mentoring you, they’re scamming you to fund their flashy lifestyle while you get nothing back.
What can I do to help put a stop to Misogyny?
It’s never easy calling out your mates when they’re crossing a line. But sometimes all it takes is a quick “maaate…” to snap someone out of it. One word. No drama. Just a simple way you can let your friend know they’re going too far.
Advice if you are on the receiving end:
- Talk to a trusted adult – don’t keep it in.
- Challenge what people are saying (if it is safe to do so) so the language/behaviour is not normalised.
- Talk about the impact that abusive language has on Mental Health.
- Spread awareness to help educate others.
- Get advice and support for sexual violence against women and girls
Useful links
Page updated on June 29th, 2026 at 03:53pm