TRENDING

 

Just the other day, England provided new guidelines for its schools that ban all sexist language and inappropriately gendered terms. According to She Knows, the Department of Education and Institute of Physics came together to write the new set of rules called, "Opening Doors: A guide to good practice in countering gender stereotyping in schools."

Professor Peter Main at the Institute of Physics explained how these words affect our everyday lives: "Sexist language has a considerable impact," Main says, "but in our research we found that itw as often dismissed as just banter and was much more common than teachers were aware of." To make sure that these new rules are being followed, "gender champions" are being appointed among teachers and student volunteers are keeping an ear out for any inappropriate terms. 

"Language is a very powerful tool," explains Janice Callow, deputy head of one of the pilot schools involved. "You have to be so conscious of what you are saying to children."

What do you think of England schools banning gendered language like this? Do kids in your school use these sorts of sexist terms? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

by Ilana Bernstein | 2/1/2016