#1202 - Boys Will Be Boys? The Disturbing Reality of Sexual Threats in Schools

Schools are failing our children when boys who make sexual threats remain in class with their victims. A toxic combination of pornography access, weak responses, and "boys will be boys" attitudes is forcing young girls out of education. 

Quote of the Episode:

"When schools allow boys who make sexual threats to remain in class with their victims, they're making a value judgment. They're saying a boy's uninterrupted education matters more than a girl's right to learn without fear." - Justin Coulson

Key Points:

• Sexual harassment via school laptops is happening as early as Grade 7 (age 12)
• Schools often respond inadequately to sexual threats, prioritising perpetrators' education over victims' safety
• Easy access to pornography is fuelling inappropriate sexual behaviour among young boys
• Parents must make noise and demand accountability when their children are victims

If your child is a perpetrator, taking responsibility and ensuring consequences is essential

• Parental monitoring of screen use is the number one protective factor against digital harm
• The e-Safety Commissioner should be contacted in cases of online harassment
• Media attention and public pressure can force educational institutions to take appropriate action
• Both victims and perpetrators need support systems focused on responsibility and empathy

Resources Mentioned:

• E-Safety Commissioner (for reporting online harassment)
• Happy Families
• "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller (book about sexual assault)
• Dan Principe
• Melinda Tankard Reist
• Collective Shout

Action Steps for Parents:

1. If your child is a victim, make noise—report to school authorities, police, the e-Safety Commissioner, and escalate to education departments if necessary.
2. Monitor and supervise all screen time—know what your children are viewing, typing, and who they're communicating with.
3. Have open conversations with your children about online harassment, showing them real examples and developing response strategies.
4. Teach children to block harassers and not engage, as responses often fuel further harassment.
5. If your child is a perpetrator, hold them accountable rather than minimising their behaviour.

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