Talking about gender equality, sexism and misogyny with your child
Your child may have some strong opinions or questions about different genders based on things they’ve seen or heard. Talking with them can help them understand and encourage them to ask questions.
Certain situations or cultural beliefs may make these conversations harder. It’s important you only discuss these issues if you feel comfortable.
Create a safe space for conversation and opinion
When talking to your child, it can help to think about:
- the age of your child
- what they are experiencing
- what they will understand
Give them a safe space to talk and help them understand their own beliefs. Show them you respect them, even if you disagree.
Some children may have what seem like strong views but are repeating things they have heard. This is especially true for younger children.
It can sometimes help to use books or films to have conversations with your child. Check the contents before sharing. For example, try to avoid books where boys and girls play certain ‘typical’ gender roles. If you do read books with stereotypes, talk to your child about how you can help promote equality better.
Explaining gender equality and inequality
Gender equality is when people of any gender have access to equal rights and opportunities.
When there is gender inequality, there might be:
- unequal access to education and work
- discriminatory attitudes towards another gender
- strict gender roles in the home
- assumption of stereotypical or social or cultural roles
- gender-based violence
It may help to give some examples of gender inequality. For example, you could talk about gender stereotypes for boys and girls or the gender pay gap.
Explaining sexism and misogyny
Gender inequality, sexism and misogyny are closely linked.
Sexism is when someone or a society treats a group of people differently based on their sex or gender. This often involves negative assumptions about people who identify as women but can affect anyone.
It can appear as expectations for people of a certain gender to act a certain way. For example, where some men may feel like they can’t cry because it isn’t ‘manly’. Harmful gender stereotypes are more deeply set in some cultures than others.
Misogyny is the dislike of or prejudice against women. People may not always recognise that their views are sexist or misogynistic. They might describe their beliefs as anti-feminist or pro-masculine, for example. Hatred or prejudice against men and boys is called misandry.
Social media and online influences
Speak to your child about what they’re seeing on social media and online. Question anything you think might be harmful.
If you can, read information together about online hate and how it spreads.
Encourage them to think critically about what they see and hear in the media and online. It can help to talk about:
- how there is always at least 2 sides to any story
- how most news organisations have some bias
- how people sometimes share inaccuracies on social media
- the importance of knowing if there is evidence behind information
You can also read advice on keeping your child safe online.
Teach them about healthy relationships
You can start teaching your child about consent when they are young. This includes teaching them to trust their instincts.
You can also talk to teenagers about healthy relationships and consent. Help them to understand why boundaries matter for themself and others. Talk to them about flirting and explain when this becomes sexual harassment.
Be open and honest. Help them to feel confident discussing those things with you. Acknowledge and respect their feelings but challenge them if something concerns you.
Think about the language you use and how you role model healthy relationships.
Show them gender equality in action
Show your child what gender equality looks like.
Think about how you do this in your actions and habits. It might help to:
- show your child that any gender can do any type of job around the home
- try to avoid pushing your child towards toys or activities ‘for boys’ or ‘for girls’
- look at inspirational people of all genders and ethnic identities in history
- share any household jobs with your partner, if you have one
Support for you and your child
If you’re worried your child might be affected by these issues you can talk to one of our parenting coaches.
If your child is 13 or over and wants to talk to someone about anything that’s bothering them, they can contact Sidekick.
Sidekick
Confidential helpline for young people in the UK, run by Action for Children.
Text 07888 868 059 Monday to Friday.
Email help@sidekick.actionforchildren.org.uk
Page last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028
This advice was written by our experienced Parent Talk coaches. Parent Talk is a free online service for parents and carers, provided by the charity Action for Children. For more advice, message our parenting coaches with our online chat.
