“Sex is Kind of Broken Now” – How Schools Can Respond, and How Loudmouth Helps

The Children’s Commissioner’s have published a new report that shows that many children now see pornography for the first time by the age of 11, with some as young as 6 years old. The report highlights how harmful online content is distorting attitudes and fuelling damaging myths about consent. Schools are at the frontline of this challenge.

But what practical tools do they have to respond?

The Challenges Schools Face

• Early exposure: Children report encountering pornography before they have had any structured sex education.
• Accidental encounters:Most first see it through social media rather than seeking it out.
• Consent confusion: Exposure to violent and degrading porn is driving beliefs such as “girls may say no at first but can be persuaded.”
• Gaps in RSHE delivery: Schools need support to meet the new RSHE curriculum in tackling topics that are sensitive, complex, and rapidly evolving.

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How Loudmouth Supports Schools

Loudmouth Education & Training’s Theatre in Education model brings these issues to life in safe, age-appropriate, and engaging ways. Using live drama, discussion, and interactive workshops, Loudmouth helps children unpack harmful messages, build critical thinking skills, and understand healthy, respectful relationships.

• Relatable, realistic learning: “Using theatre for these topics is brilliant. No doubting how seriously the students engage with the themes.” – English Teacher, Chestnut Grove Academy
• Boosting confidence to act: “It has made me more confident in what to do if I have a situation like this.” – Year 5 Student, Ravenstone Primary
• Changing attitudes to harassment and respect: “Lots of boys seemed to re-evaluate opinions they have adopted from social media. The girls felt empowered to voice their opinion.” – Staff, St John Bosco College
• Raising awareness of pornography and harmful behaviours: “I am now aware of all the trouble women go through. I know the dangers of sexual harassment and assault. I know what to do when I see it happen.” – Year 9 Student, Harris Academy Battersea

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Why This Matters

The report shows that children are absorbing damaging messages about sex before they even begin formal RSHE. Loudmouth’s work helps schools close that gap, providing memorable, trauma-informed sessions that give children:

• Knowledge to question what they see online.
• Language to talk about consent and respect.
• Confidence to challenge harassment and seek help when needed.

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Summary

The Children’s Commissioner’s report is a wake-up call. Loudmouth offers schools a tested, engaging way to meet this challenge head on—helping young people to build healthier, safer, and more respectful futures.

As one student put it after a Loudmouth session, “I now feel more confident addressing this sort of behaviour if I see it.” – Year 9 Student, Richmond Upon Thames School

To find out how Loudmouth can support schools to respond to these challenges, contact us on 0121 446 4880 or email enquiry@loudmouth.co.uk