A headteacher has explained how her primary school is teaching children to reject the use of “sexist” language.
Phrases banned at the school in Birmingham include “man up”, “grow a pair” and teachers are even banned from saying “good morning boys and girls" to their classes.
Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson, who is head of Anderton Park primary, told Good Morning Britain on Thursday: "In the last year we have seen the biggest ever increase in child abuse and grooming. If our boys, and girls, grow up and we don't address this sexist language where boys are told to 'man up', 'grow a pair', 'boys don't cry', it is very damaging for them.
"Abusers later on, or bullies, will also use this fear. Fear is the biggest weapon that abusers have. If boys are told that boys aren't afraid, boys don't get scared, boys don't talk about their feelings, then where are they going to go when they are afraid?"
Presenter Ben Shephard, who has two teenage sons, said he believed that some of phrases the headteacher was referring to were "being phased out", but questioned not using the term 'good morning boys and girls' to a class of boys and girls.
What do you think of the headteacher's decision? Do you think the same policy should be used in all schools? Leave your comments here.
Broadcaster Nana Akua, who was involved in the early morning discussion, said: "I think it is absolutely ridiculous. What we are doing here is dissecting language in the most clinical form, and then creating a generation of wallflower kids who are literally listening for an offence.
"It is getting to the point where we are losing a grip. We need to be looking at the context and how to use a language that is non offensive."
