There is a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, sexism and misogyny perpetrated by boys within school environments, new research looking into the impact of Andrew Tate, has found.
The study from Monash University interviewed 30 women teachers from private and public schools in Australia and found that they had all experienced a shift in the behaviour of boys following COVID lockdowns and the rise of Andrew Tate’s popularity.
The findings suggest there has been a worrying shift in gender dynamics in schools and that harassment, sexism and misogyny is rife, with female teachers and students having negative experiences.
“Our research found that male supremacy in classrooms was rampant amongst Australian schools. Our participants detailed overt displays of authority and dominance by boys towards women teachers, reflecting a resurgence of traditional patriarchal norms,” the study’s lead author, Dr Stephanie Wescott said.
“The findings also outline a troubling increase in sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior against women teachers and girls in schools, with Andrew Tate’s influence shaping and reinforcing regressive views on masculinity.”
Tate and his brother are currently facing charges of human trafficking in Romania. They are also facing extradition to the UK to face charges of sexual aggression.
The teachers who were interviewed for the study identified that boys have adopted the messaging pushed by Tate, including that women are now unfairly advantaged in a post #metoo world.
“(Students) make joking references about Andrew Tate to try and get a reaction from the girls or some female staff. They know exactly the type of polarising figure that he is, but they feel safe enough to put him into the classroom as a joke,” said Jane, a school teacher from NSW.
Another former teacher from Queensland, Melanie, recently resigned due to experiencing sustained sexual harassment from male students.
“They didn’t really say any specifics, just how much they loved him. And they know in a way that he was bad, but it was a funny thing to like him,” Melanie said.
Experiences like these have profoundly impacted the experiences of women teachers in their workplaces.
“Women teachers are engaging in combative interactions that challenge and undermine their gender and their stance on Andrew Tate. Alarmingly, some teachers we spoke to are reporting that schools are no longer a safe place for women teachers,” said Dr Wescott.
Professor Steven Roberts, a co-author of the Monash University study, said there was an urgent need for open conversations in schools to allow women to share their experiences and to discuss the influence of ‘manfluencers’.
“The study suggests that current school-level responses, often one-off sessions or punitive talks, may not be sufficient to address the distress experienced by teachers,” said Professor Roberts.
“Instead, our findings call for broader and more comprehensive school-level responses to tackle the pervasive influence of ‘manfluencers’ on boys’ behaviour, including open conversations, ongoing dialogue, and proportionate measures.”
Serina McDuff, the acting CEO of Respect Victoria, said the research was helpful in understanding what is influencing young men and how these influences drive gendered violence.
“This research reflects a concerning shift in the attitudes that some young men are expressing in schools, and points to the importance of in-depth, ongoing education for students on respectful relationships and challenging harmful gender stereotypes – the stereotypes that stress violence and domination,” said McDuff.
“It’s also a reminder that teachers and school staff must be supported to navigate these conversations, to support women and girls to be safe and respected in classrooms, and to support boys to challenge and reject extremist views like Tate’s.”