Teaching children about ‘toxic relationships’ in relationship and sex education: children aged 10–11 years old and teachers’ perspectives in England

Relationships Education became statutory in primary schools in England during September 2020. We conducted seven focus groups across four primary schools; 22 children aged 10–11 years and 16 educators. These aimed to examine insights into the opportunities and challenges of Relationships Education. Reflexive thematic analysis developed five themes: 1) the importance of staying safe; 2) problematic peer-to-peer relationships (e.g. bullying; 3) understanding child abuse; 4) bad relationships in adulthood; and 5) risks with online relationships. We highlight the value of education as preventative for avoiding ‘toxic relationships.’ We conclude that it is important for children to be heard on this matter.