Projects
As academic researchers, our team is engaged in a range of research projects that explore the complexities of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and related topics. Our work focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice, equipping educators and safe adults with evidence-based insights to navigate the evolving challenges of supporting young people in today’s dynamic, digitally-mediated world.
Below, you’ll find a list of some of our current (and past) research projects, each accompanied by links for further details. These projects reflect our commitment to fostering open, meaningful conversations and developing practical tools that address the real-world needs of educators, young people, and their communities.
Porn Literacy Pilot Programme
The Reimagining RSE project builds on a pilot ‘porn literacy’ intervention delivered in schools in 2023, which explored the complex ways that digital technology influences young people’s relationships and sexual experiences. Our participatory approach was designed to respond to concerns that adults have about young people’s engagements with online content, while addressing the need for a broader, holistic approach to sex and relationships education that considers the interplay of influences and contexts in young people’s lives. It laid the groundwork for re-imagining RSE as a space for safely exploring the uncertainties of sex and relationships, including in the digital era, moving beyond simplistic explanations or factual solutions to the challenges that young people face.
Read more about the pilot programme on the University of Surrey website and check out our video showcasing the programme here.
Evidence Review on Harmful Sexual Behaviours and Cultures in Schools
In 2021, we conducted an evidence review for the Department for Education on the nature and causes of harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) in schools, as well as best practices for prevention and response. Our findings conceptualised HSB as rooted in the interactional cultures of ‘sexual harm’ among young people and within school environments. We highlighted the importance of addressing HSB as a cultural issue, advocating for RSE that moves beyond simply raising awareness of abuse and unhealthy relationships to empower young people in developing and practicing ethical, responsible ‘sexual citizenship’ under the guidance of adults.
The report is pending publication by the DfE but is available to access in pdf.
Building on this evidence review, we published an academic article contrasting our ‘sexual citizenship’ approach with dominant political and policy narratives around harmful sexual behaviours and cultures. Read the article here: Sexual Citizenship and HSB Article.
Police-School Partnerships in Preventing and Responding to Harmful Sexual Behaviours in Schools
Building on our DfE evidence review, we secured funding from the Economic and Social Research Council to explore police-school partnerships in addressing harmful sexual behaviours (HSB) in schools. During 2022–23, we conducted research with schools, police, and children’s services, identifying both opportunities and challenges in the policing of HSB. Our findings emphasised the importance of relationship-based practice in fostering effective prevention and response strategies.
Learn more and access the research report here: Reducing Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Schools.
Find our training guidance and case studies → here and accompanying Slide Pack
Everyone’s Safer Schools Project
Since 2021, Emily has been collaborating with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for preventing and responding to harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) in schools. This partnership focuses on supporting schools and education professionals in creating safer environments and addressing problematic, abusive, and violent behaviours effectively.
Learn more about the Everyone’s Safer Schools project: Lucy Faithfull Foundation – Safer Schools.
Influencer Culture in the Digital Age
This study, conducted during 2023, examined tween and teen girls’ perspectives on influencer culture, uncovering both risks and opportunities as they navigate and negotiate ‘influence’ across online and offline aspects of their lives. The findings informed recommendations and strategies to support girls in critically engaging with influencer culture in the digital age.
Learn more and access the report and resources here: Influencer Cultures.
Educating Adolescent Boys About Sexual Consent
During 2022–23, this project explored adolescent boys’ perspectives on sexual consent and the education they have received on this topic. The research highlighted significant challenges faced by boys regarding consent, as well as the limitations of traditional educational approaches. It identified a need for holistic education on the topic, addressing the concerns boys express in a constructive and inclusive way. It culminated in a set of strategies for educators, co-designed with boys.
Learn more on our blog: Why Do We Educate Boys About Consent, and How Should We Do It?
A report of the findings, alongside practical guidance for educators on addressing sexual consent with adolescent boys can be accessed in pdf.
There are further academic papers drawing on the findings here:
Online Harms
This project examined young people’s experiences of online harms during and after the pandemic. While young people expressed concerns about some aspects of their online experiences, the research revealed that alarmist, protectionist approaches are often counterproductive. Instead, young people want support to maximise the benefits of being online while navigating risks and avoiding harm. The study highlighted their ambivalence as they manage online challenges within the broader context of their lives and circumstances.
Find out more about the research on the Surrey website.
Explore our findings in these publications:
Love in lockdown
This study investigated adolescent and young adult experiences of relationships during lockdown, uncovering significant challenges and complexities in navigating ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ relationships both online and offline. It highlighted the evolving role of digital intimacies in shaping young people’s relational experiences. The research offers nuanced insights into these dynamics and provides recommendations for supporting young people in their relationships.
Read the full report and recommendations here: Love in Lockdown Reports
Explore our findings in these publications:
Transforming School Cultures through Relationships and Sex Education
This co-design project, conducted with young people and expert organisations in 2020-21, built on research identifying the need for a youth-led approach to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). It addressed the ‘knowledge-practice’ gap in RSE, focusing on complex topics through a collaborative approach that engages with the social norms and emotional dynamics of relationships and sexual development with and for young people.
Explore our guidance for schools on designing and delivering safe and effective RSE: Transforming School Culture Guidance.
Read the academic article: RSE and School Culture.
Emily’s perspective on incorporating media into RSE: Video on Media in RSE.
Parents and Parenting
Emily is currently collaborating on a project investigating parental news engagement in the context of risks and crises, particularly in relation to young people’s relationships and wellbeing. The research explores how parents navigate these complex issues through their media consumption: News Use Project – Leverhulme.
Emily has also conducted research with mothers about sex education in the home, uncovering various challenges in addressing complex topics related to relationships and sexuality: Research on Sex Education in the Home.
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