Barnardo’s has issued a comment following the media reports of sexual abuse in schools.
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “I’m deeply concerned at recent reports of sexual abuse and harassment against school pupils.
“The testimonies on the ‘Everyone’s Invited’ website shed new light on these traumatic experiences – and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“We know that at least a third of identified sexual abuse against under 18s is committed by other children and young people. We also know that much of this abuse goes unreported – or only comes to light many years later.
“Barnardo’s has been tackling child sexual abuse for more than 25 years, and we know that the trauma caused to victims can last a lifetime. Schools must be places of safety for children, with a culture that sets clear expectations about respect for each other. The introduction of statutory Relationship Education is an important step, but it is clear we need to go much further to prevent harm inside and outside the school gate.”