To ask the Minister of Education to detail any action he is taking as a result of the final analysis of the School Uniform Consultation, which noted concerns around growing levels of misogyny in schools, and instances of upskirting, and sexual harassment towards schoolgirls.

The consultation response you refer to also notes that school uniform policies will not address the root causes of the behaviours cited. Bullying, misogyny and sexual harassment in our schools, for whatever reason and in whatever form, is always unacceptable. I am - and my Department is - committed to tackling such issues in schools and supporting all our pupils. This can only be progressed through a consistent approach across a range of education policy areas. Should schools need to adjust their uniform policy to support pupils in feeling comfortable, there is no barrier in the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill to this.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on healthy relationships and schools can play a key role in addressing emerging issues such as violence against women and girls, misogyny, coercive control, and sexual harassment, including behaviours like upskirting.

The systems and protocols in place for educational settings impacted by reported instances involving sexual harassment or upskirting - which are forms of problematic sexual behaviour - are outlined in DE Circular 2022/02 – Children Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviour. Recording requirements under the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 reflect relevant Section 75 groups as well as additional common motivating factors, such as misogyny.

My Department issued circular 2024/14 due to the growing concerns about the impact of mobile phones on children and young people’s development and their unauthorised use in class or during the school day. Implementing a robust and effective mobile phone policy in schools can significantly reduce the opportunities for inappropriate behaviour linked to personal mobile phones, including the misuse of smartphone apps and functions such as its camera during the school day. More than 8,000 young people across Northern Ireland will be involved in the Department’s phone-free pilot scheme.

My Department takes a range of actions and provides a range of guidance and advice to support Boards of Governors to discharge their statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of their pupils.