By Emily Caulkett-
Teachers in Australia are complaining of the negative impact Andrew Tate’s ideology is having in their classrooms, The Eye Of Media has learnt.
In the vast landscape of contemporary influencers, few figures have ignited as much controversy as Andrew Tate.
Tate and his brother are currently facing criminal charges in Romania, including organised crime, human trafficking and rape .The British-American former kickboxer turned social media personality has amassed a sizable following by espousing views on masculinity, success, and personal development.
Yet, it’s not just his online presence that has garnered attention; Tate’s ideology has begun to infiltrate classrooms around the world, raising concerns among educators and prompting a re-evaluation of the boundaries between free speech and harmful influence.
One teacher known as Grace as her pseudonym told the ABC’s 7.30 program on Tuesday that she heard one of her students at the Sunshine Coast school where she was teaching in 2022 speaking about how much they ‘love’ Tate.
She said, “Look, I don’t want to hear that name in this classroom”. I could see some of the girls rolling their eyes and sighing.’
Although there were only a handful of boys who were fans of the British-American TikToker, Grace said it set a ‘disturbing tone’ for the class.
‘Most of what was happening in my experience was of a sexual nature,’ she said.
‘Students making moaning noises in my classes, asking me inappropriate questions, asking personal questions about my age or my appearance.’
Grace was instructed to use ‘teaching techniques’ to quell the behaviour but was ultimately unable to control them and decided to quit her career.
‘It’s very disappointing that I don’t really feel safe in a classroom anymore,’ she said.
‘Even though I want to be there to stand up for the young girls… my mental health was suffering.’
Dozens of other teachers across the country have suffered similar experiences.
Sexual Harassment
Researchers from Monash University interviewed female teachers about the impact of Tate in Australian classrooms and found that he was ‘showing up’ everywhere from rural towns to metropolitan schools.
The study, which included 30 female teachers, found ‘widespread experience of sexual harassment, sexism, and misogyny perpetrated by boys towards women teachers, and the ominous presence of Andrew Tate shaping their behaviour’.
‘The consistency is one of the most extraordinary things about what we found in this study,’ Stephanie Wescott, one of authors of the
In order to understand the impact of Tate’s ideology on classrooms in Australia and beyond, one must delve into his past and the evolution of his persona.
Born into a family with a long history of combat sports, Tate’s upbringing was marked by discipline and physical prowess.
His success in kickboxing propelled him into the public eye, but it was his foray into social media that truly catapulted him to fame. Through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, Tate disseminated his views on masculinity, often couched in controversial language and provocative imagery.
Central to Tate’s ideology is the notion of ultra-masculinity, a concept that extols traditional gender roles and emphasizes physical strength, assertiveness, and dominance
In Tate’s world, being a man means embracing these qualities unapologetically, eschewing political correctness and societal norms in favour of raw authenticity.
It is a message that has resonated with a segment of young men disillusioned by perceived societal shifts and seeking a sense of identity and purpose in an increasingly complex world.
However, Tate’s rise to prominence has not been without its controversies. Accusations of sexism, misogyny, and even criminal behaviour have dogged him throughout his career.
, Tate’s persona is as polarizing as it is captivating. Yet, for his followers, these controversies only serve to enhance his allure, casting him as a rebellious figure fighting against the constraints of political correctness and moral righteousness.
In classrooms across Australia, Tate’s ideology has taken root, manifesting in behaviour that ranges from subtle to overtly hostile.
Female teachers like Grace, who left her teaching position due to harassment from students enamoured with Tate, represent just one facet of the broader impact of his influence.
Discussions about Tate’s views on masculinity often spill over into classrooms, fostering an environment where gender dynamics are distorted and traditional power structures are reinforced.
What begins as admiration for Tate’s unapologetic persona can quickly devolve into toxic behaviour, as seen in the inappropriate comments and gestures directed at female educators.
Australia is not alone in grappling with the influence of Andrew Tate. Reports from educators in countries as diverse as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada suggest a similar phenomenon unfolding in classrooms worldwide.
Whether it’s through social media, peer influence, or exposure to Tate’s content outside of school, students are internalizing his messages about masculinity and applying them to their interactions with teachers and peers.
The implications of Tate’s influence extend far beyond the confines of the classroom, touching on broader questions of societal values, educational policy, and digital ethics.
In the face of these challenges, some educators are advocating for a proactive approach that prioritizes critical thinking, media literacy, and empathy in the classroom.
By equipping students with the tools to interrogate and challenge harmful ideologies, they hope to create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Additionally, calls for greater regulation of social media platforms and stronger support for teachers facing harassment are gaining traction, as communities confront the complex realities of navigating a digital age.
Ultimately, the story of Andrew Tate and his impact on classrooms is a reflection of broader societal tensions around gender, power, and identity.