Peer-on-Peer Abuse and Sexual Harm in a Connected Society: Teachers’ Perspectives on the Challenges Facing Schools

Several schools that participated in a large qualitative study a few years ago were asked to complete a survey providing updates on various areas previously explored. The research was conducted at the time when considerable attention had focused on peer-on-peer abuse involving sexual harm and an inquiry conducted by the inspection body, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted). One area explored in the survey was how prepared and confident school staff felt in dealing with such incidents, particularly in relation to pupils' use of social media. The survey was sent to 58 schools and responses were received from 48 of them. While those responding felt confident about their ability to respond, they were less confident about other staff in schools. They referred to the cost of relevant training which was proving to be an expensive item on schools’ budgets, that were already under considerable strain. This was leading some to consider doing more of their own training. There was a growing concern about the responsibilities placed on schools regarding children and young people's activities outside the school gates, including those on social media, which they felt had little control over. The article considers whether some of the expectations placed on schools are realistic and even appropriate in a digital world.