Influencers fuelling misogyny in schools, teachers say

A recent survey conducted by the NASUWT, a teaching union in the UK, has revealed alarming insights into the influence of social media on students, particularly regarding misogyny and sexism in schools. The poll, which included responses from 5,800 teachers, found that nearly three out of five educators believe that social media has negatively impacted student behavior. One name that frequently appeared in the responses was Andrew Tate, a controversial figure known for his misogynistic views. Teachers reported that some boys idolize Tate, which has led to troubling dynamics in the classroom. The Department for Education (DfE) has acknowledged these concerns and is working to support teachers in addressing the harmful effects of social media and the rise of dangerous influencers. This weekend, teachers will gather in Liverpool for their annual conference, where they will discuss various motions, including the idea that far-right and populist movements are increasingly using social media and online platforms to recruit young people. One teacher shared a troubling experience where boys in her class refused to engage with her, opting instead to speak with a male teaching assistant because they idolized Andrew Tate and his lifestyle. These boys were only 10 years old, yet they were already influenced by Tate's image of success, which often includes flaunting wealth and objectifying women. Another teacher recounted an incident in a secondary English class where a group of boys chose to write a persuasive essay arguing that Andrew Tate is the greatest of all time. This essay included disturbing praise for Tate's belief that women are property of men, which shocked the parents when they were informed. When asked about the potential harm of his views on young people, Tate claimed he was a 'force for good. ' Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, emphasized the urgent need for collective action among schools, colleges, and other organizations to protect children from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists. He stated that teachers cannot be left to tackle these issues alone. While some experts believe that Andrew Tate's influence is significant, others argue that the access young people have to pornography is even more concerning. Michael Conroy, who founded a group called Men at Work to help boys and young men, pointed out that many boys are learning about sex through pornography, which often portrays a power imbalance between men and women. He noted that this exposure begins at a young age, often around eight or nine, and that wherever there is access to a phone, there is access to pornography. Conroy believes that while misogyny and sexism have always existed in schools, they are now being exacerbated by the easy availability of harmful online content. The NASUWT conference comes on the heels of a national conversation about online safety sparked by the Netflix drama Adolescence, which tells the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate. The government has been working to provide resources for teachers and is reviewing the curriculum to ensure that children are equipped with the skills they need to navigate the online world safely. The Liberal Democrats have responded to the survey results, calling them shocking but not surprising. They argue that there is a pressing need to address the issue of addictive algorithms on social media platforms and are advocating for the establishment of a task force to tackle these challenges. They also propose that funds from fines imposed for violating the Online Safety Act should be reinvested into programs aimed at creating safer online environments in schools. A recent report indicated that over a third of secondary school teachers have reported witnessing misogynistic behavior from students in the past week, and around 40% of teachers feel ill-equipped to handle such conduct. The growing influence of social media and the troubling behavior it fosters among students is a pressing concern for educators and society as a whole.