Holding difficult conversations in schools: A restorative approach to harmful narratives
In recent months, we’ve seen an increase in far-right narratives finding their way into conversations across the UK. Schools are often on the frontline of these tensions, with staff needing to respond in ways that both challenge harmful views and hold young people with dignity and care. Added to this, online ‘manfluencers’ promote extreme, sexist views that are reaching our children in schools. Research shows these ideas are not just online talk; they’re shaping classroom behaviour, undermining women teachers’ authority, and harming girls’ safety and learning (Wescott, Roberts & Zhao, 2024). These are big topics and we know that schools often feel frozen or fearful about tackling this.
At The Restorative Lab, we believe that moments of challenge are also moments of possibility. How we respond matters. Listening well, naming values, and creating structured spaces for dialogue can help staff meet these moments with confidence, sensitivity, and strength. Drawing inspiration from Circle practice, and our recent training with Kay Pranis, we’ve created a series of free resources for schools:
A circle guide to help staff hold difficult conversations with pupils in ways that are compassionate, clear, and constructive.
Suggested wording for parents and families to support school communication.
A circle framework for staff to reflect and support one another.
Each resource below offers prompts, values-based reflection, and practical guidance on how to:
Listen deeply without collusion.
Challenge appropriately without shame.
Strengthen relationships while addressing harm.
This work is not about debate, but about connection. More than ever, we need to create spaces where young people can be heard, supported, and guided towards understanding the impact of their words and choices
When we respond with care, courage, and clarity, we create schools where every young person feels they belong, and where even the most difficult conversations can be held safely.
Click on the links below to download the free resources.