Misogyny and Sexism on the Rise in UK Classrooms, Teachers Warn
A growing concern among teachers in the UK is the increasing influence of social media on pupils’ behaviour, with many citing the "Andrew Tate phenomena" as a contributing factor to a rise in misogyny and sexism in schools. According to a survey by the NASUWT teaching union, nearly three in five teachers (59%) believe that social media use has contributed to a deterioration in pupils’ behaviour.
The survey, which polled over 5,800 teachers, found that the issue is becoming increasingly prevalent, with some teachers reporting that pupils are refusing to interact with female staff. One teacher told the NASUWT that she had experienced 10-year-old boys refusing to speak to her because she is a woman. Another teacher reported that the "Andrew Tate phenomena" had a significant impact on how pupils at an all-boys school interacted with females and males they did not see as "masculine".
The findings have been published during the NASUWT’s annual conference, which is taking place in Liverpool this weekend. The union’s general secretary, Patrick Roach, said that teachers "cannot be left alone to deal with these problems". "There is an urgent need for concerted action involving schools, colleges and other agencies to safeguard all children and young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists," he added.
The issue has also caught the attention of politicians, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosting a discussion in Downing Street last month on how to prevent young boys from being drawn into a "whirlpool of hatred and misogyny". The talks were with the creators of the Netflix drama Adolescence, which explores so-called incel culture.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has also spoken out about the dangers of social media, citing her own personal experience of a young cousin who took their own life after falling down an "internet rabbit hole". She told the Daily Mail: "It’s heartbreaking. My views about the dangers of social media are not just about children. I know even as adults we can get dangerously addicted."
The Conservative Party has been arguing for a ban on mobile phones in schools over concerns about the impact of social media on children. A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said: "Education can be the antidote to hate, and the classroom should be a safe environment for sensitive topics to be discussed and where critical thinking is encouraged. That’s why we provide a range of resources to support teachers to navigate these challenging issues, and why our curriculum review will look at the skills children need to thrive in a fast-changing online world."
According to Sky News, the NASUWT is set to debate a motion at its conference that calls on the union’s executive to work with teachers "to assess the risk that far-right and populist movements pose to young people". The motion is seen as a response to the growing concern among teachers about the influence of social media on pupils’ behaviour.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the issue of misogyny and sexism in UK classrooms is a complex one that requires a concerted effort from teachers, politicians, and parents to address. As Patrick Roach said, "There is an urgent need for action to safeguard all children and young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists."
The NASUWT’s survey is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by teachers in today’s classrooms. With the rise of social media, teachers are having to navigate increasingly complex issues, from online safety to the impact of extremist ideologies on young people. As the union’s general secretary, Patrick Roach, said: "Teachers cannot be left alone to deal with these problems."
The government has a role to play in addressing these issues, and the Department for Education has pledged to provide resources to support teachers in navigating these challenging issues. However, as the NASUWT’s survey shows, more needs to be done to address the root causes of misogyny and sexism in UK classrooms.
In conclusion, the issue of misogyny and sexism in UK classrooms is a pressing concern that requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address. With the help of teachers, politicians, and parents, it is possible to create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all pupils.
According to a report by Sky News, teachers are sounding the alarm over the "Andrew Tate phenomena" and its impact on pupils’ behaviour. The issue is a complex one, and it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address.
The NASUWT’s survey provides a timely reminder of the challenges faced by teachers in today’s classrooms. As the union’s general secretary, Patrick Roach, said: "There is an urgent need for action to safeguard all children and young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists."
This article is based on information from Sky News and other reputable sources.
