Children and young people deserve to leave school with the knowledge they need to stay safe in relationships.

Many forms of abuse — including emotional abuse, coercive control, and manipulation — often begin in adolescence. Yet countless survivors say the same thing: they did not realise what they were experiencing was abuse until years later.

At present, education about relationships is inconsistent, often vague, and not always delivered at a point when it is most needed. This leaves many children — particularly those who are neurodivergent or have additional needs — more vulnerable to exploitation and harm.

We are calling for all children in their final year of primary or secondary school to receive clear, age-appropriate education on healthy versus abusive relationships before they leave school.

This education should include:

What healthy relationships look like
Common warning signs of abuse
Emotional abuse and coercive control explained in child-appropriate language
Consent, boundaries, and respect
Where and how to seek help

This could be delivered through evidence-based programmes, such as those informed by the Freedom Programme, adapted appropriately for children and young people.

Early education is not about frightening children — it is about prevention, empowerment, and safety. Teaching children how to recognise unhealthy behaviour before they enter adolescence or adulthood can help reduce harm, break cycles of abuse, and save lives.

We urge decision-makers to act now to ensure no child leaves school without this essential knowledge.

What we are asking for:

That relationship education on healthy and abusive relationships becomes mandatory, consistent, and age-appropriate in the final year of school for all children in the UK.