Academy Award winning actress Olivia Colman has led an all-star lineup in calls for expert relationships education for all children and young people to protect them from online dangers.
At the Tender Awards 2025, Olivia Colman was joined by fellow acting stars Jodie Whittaker (Toxic Town, Doctor Who) and Amy-Leigh Hickman (You, Ackley Bridge), and renowned writer and Adolescence co-creator Jack Thorne. The stars called for all young people to be equipped with the skills to challenge harmful online content and lead healthy, compassionate relationships.
Olivia Colman CBE said:
‘Children and young people are growing up bombarded with dangerous attitudes – both online and in the real world. They need the tools, the skills to counteract these damaging narratives.
‘Through specialist relationships education, we can empower the next generation to recognise abuse, and developing confidence, strength and respect.’
As specialists in healthy relationships education, Tender strives to prevent violence and abuse through innovative educational programmes. The annual Tender Awards celebrates teachers, young people and schools who have supported Tender’s work promoting healthy relationships.
Olivia was joined by writer Jack Thorne, whose drama Adolescence about a 13-year-old’s violent murder of a teenage girl sent shockwaves across the world.
Jack Thorne commented:
‘With Adolescence, wewanted to show the dangers facing all young people, whatever their background. Too many don’t know how to navigate the online world safely, or separate the toxic behaviours from their real lives. This is happening right now – and we have to act. Tender’s work offers a practical and effective solution.’
Susie McDonald MBE, CEO of Tender, said:
‘Women and girls are being killed every week in this country. These are not random attacks – they begin with the misogynist attitudes and values flooding young people’s social media feeds.
‘We do know how to protect them. Our drama-based relationships education gives young people the practical skills to challenge this content, to treat others with compassion, to lead lives free of abuse.
‘As we’ve seen today, so many teachers, young people and campaigners are doing such incredible work to help us protect children and prevent abuse. I’m so thankful to these inspiring people who truly are creating a better future for the next generation.
‘But we cannot do this alone – we need the funding, resources and the legislation to ensure all young people can access this education. We need your support.’
Media enquiries
Tender CEO Susie McDonald MBE is available for interview.
For interview requests and further media enquiries, please contact katevine@tender.org.uk and isadora@tender.org.uk.
Images available on request.
About Tender
Tender is a nationwide charity harnessing the power of drama and the arts to educate children, young people and adults about healthy relationships. Working with a wide variety of organisations from primary schools to global businesses, we promote respect and equality and prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence.
