What's happened
A recent NASUWT survey reveals that 59% of UK teachers believe social media, particularly influencers like Andrew Tate, is contributing to declining student behavior. The findings, presented at the NASUWT annual conference, highlight alarming levels of misogyny and violence against teachers, prompting calls for stronger government intervention and support for educators.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Influence of Social Media: The survey indicates that social media is perceived as the primary cause of negative behavior among students, with many teachers citing Andrew Tate as a significant influence.
- Impact on Teachers: Female teachers report higher instances of verbal and physical abuse, with 27.3% experiencing verbal abuse several times a week. This trend raises concerns about the safety and well-being of educators in the classroom.
- Call for Action: The NASUWT is urging the government to take a more active role in addressing these issues, emphasizing the need for a multi-agency response to combat the influence of far-right narratives and improve social media literacy among students.
- Cultural Shift: The findings reflect a broader cultural shift where misogyny and racism are becoming normalized in school environments, echoing behaviors seen in public figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Tate.
- Future Implications: Without intervention, the normalization of such behaviors could lead to a more hostile educational environment, affecting both teachers and students. The governmentâs response will be crucial in shaping the future of classroom dynamics and student behavior.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights that nearly three in five teachers attribute declining student behavior to social media, particularly citing Andrew Tate's influence. Eleanor Busby notes that teachers reported instances of misogynistic behavior directly linked to Tate's videos, with one teacher stating, 'I have had boys refuse to speak to me... because I am a woman.' The Mirror echoes these concerns, emphasizing that 81% of teachers believe student behavior has worsened, with many attributing this to social media influencers. Richard Adams from The Guardian adds that teachers are increasingly facing hostility from parents, complicating their ability to manage classroom behavior effectively. Overall, the consensus across these sources is clear: immediate action is needed to address the rising tide of misogyny and violence in schools.
How we got here
The NASUWT survey, conducted in January 2025, involved over 5,800 teachers and was released during the union's annual conference in Liverpool. It highlights a growing concern about the influence of social media on student behavior and the increasing incidents of violence and abuse in schools.
Go deeper
- What specific actions are teachers calling for?
- How is the government responding to these concerns?
- What role do parents play in student behavior?
Common question
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What Are the Causes of Rising Violence Against Teachers in UK Schools?
Recent reports indicate a troubling rise in violence against teachers in UK schools, with alarming statistics revealing that 40% of educators have faced physical aggression. This surge raises critical questions about the underlying causes and potential solutions to ensure a safer learning environment for both teachers and students.
More on these topics
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers is a TUC-affiliated trade union representing teachers, including headteachers, throughout the United Kingdom.
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Emory Andrew Tate III is an American-British social media personality, businessman, and former professional kickboxer. Following his kickboxing career, he began offering paid courses and memberships through his website and later rose to fame as an Interne
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.