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Nearly one in four secondary schools in the UK have now downloaded two special lesson plans co-designed by the ºÚÁÏÍø to help decrease conflict in the home.

The free-to-download lesson pack on how to encourage healthy communication was devised by Dr Rebecca Clift, from the Department of Language and Linguistics, in partnership with the PSHE Association.

Aimed at Year 9-11 students, the Communication Matters resources help students explore how communication strategies can either increase or decrease the risk of conflict, especially among families.

The lessons feature real-life video examples of families filmed in their own homes, which help students to recognise the impact that body language, tone of voice and choice of words can have on the escalation or de-escalation of arguments.

“I’m delighted that my research on family arguments is now being used in so many schools to support both pupils and teachers in navigating communication at home,” said Dr Clift. "Good family relationships are the foundation of children’s wellbeing and life chances. Being more aware of how rows in the home can escalate and de-escalate quickly will hopefully help them navigate better ways to communicate in the future."

Jenny Fox, Senior Subject Specialist at the PSHE Association, added: "We hear from schools that now more than ever, young people need support in managing communication, conflict and family relationships.

“It’s great to see these lessons being used across the country to teach students the skills they need to recognise cues in conversations, and the potential signs of conflict."

• The Communication Matters resources can be .