UK Schools Tackle 'Choking' & Manosphere in Sex Ed

In the UK, a new statutory Relationships, Sex and Health (RSHE) curriculum for 14- to 15-year-olds will be introduced in September 2026. These government-backed materials, created by Oak National Academy, aim to address the increasing normalization of choking among young people. The lessons are designed to help teachers counter the growing influence of "manosphere" and "incel culture" within classrooms.

Furthermore, the updated curriculum will emphasize that "blanket consent" cannot be assumed during sexual activity. Pupils will be taught the importance of setting clear boundaries with partners and how to identify toxic relationship behaviors, such as phone snooping and gaslighting. This initiative aligns with the government's mission to reduce violence against women and girls.

The legal framework surrounding strangulation offenses clarifies that intentionally strangling or suffocating another person is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. While consent can be a defense, this protection is void if the victim suffers serious harm or if the accused intended or was reckless towards causing such harm. The new educational materials will explicitly inform students that consent cannot be used as a defense in such circumstances.