Teachers Warn Social Media Influencers Fuel Misogyny in Schools

A recent survey of nearly 6,000 UK teachers by the NASUWT union found that almost three in five believe social media use, particularly exposure to influencers like Andrew Tate, has led to a significant rise in misogyny and sexism in schools. Teachers reported specific incidents where boys refused to interact with female staff and adopted sexist attitudes after consuming Tate's content, with some as young as 10 expressing admiration for his views. The findings were released during the NASUWT’s annual conference, where delegates discussed how far-right and populist groups are increasingly using social media and online platforms to target young people. Both union leaders and the Department for Education emphasized the urgent need for joint action among schools, government, and other agencies to counteract these harmful influences and support teachers. The issue has sparked a broader debate about online safety and the role of education in fostering critical thinking and resilience to extremist messaging. Teachers underscored that they should not be left to tackle these challenges alone.