Teachers across the UK are raising alarms about the growing influence of toxic social media personalities, particularly Andrew Tate, on student behavior in schools. A recent survey conducted by the NASUWT teaching union revealed a staggering 59% of teachers believe that social media usage has significantly contributed to a decline in pupils' behavior, with many citing an increase in misogyny and sexism as a direct consequence.
The survey, which polled over 5,800 teachers, was released during the NASUWT's annual conference held in Liverpool over the Easter weekend of 2025. This timely discussion comes as educators express serious concerns about the impact of far-right and populist movements, which they argue have shifted their recruitment efforts onto social media and online platforms.
One teacher recounted a troubling incident where boys in her class refused to speak to her, opting instead to converse with a male teaching assistant. "I have had boys refuse to speak to me and speak to a male teaching assistant instead because I am a woman and they follow Andrew Tate and think he is amazing with all his cars and women and how women should be treated. These were 10-year-olds," she said. This sentiment echoes across various schools, where Tate's influence is reportedly altering how young boys interact with female staff and peers.
Another teacher from an all-boys school noted, "The Andrew Tate phenomena had a huge impact on how pupils interacted with females and males they did not see as 'masculine'." Such comments highlight a disturbing trend where derogatory language and behavior towards female staff have become more commonplace, with reports of incidents including boys barking at female teachers and blocking doorways.
Patrick Roach, the general secretary of NASUWT, emphasized the need for immediate and concerted action to address these issues. He stated, "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. Teachers cannot be left alone to deal with these problems."
In light of these findings, the NASUWT conference is set to debate a motion that urges collaboration with the government to support teachers in combating far-right narratives that are infiltrating schools. This motion reflects a growing recognition that addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only educators but also policymakers and community leaders.
The rise of influencers like Andrew Tate, who boasts over 10.7 million followers on social media, has sparked significant concern among educators. Tate's controversial views, which include statements that women are the "property" of men, have been linked to a broader culture of misogyny that is permeating the classroom environment. Some teachers have reported that their students have begun to emulate this behavior, leading to a toxic atmosphere in schools.
In March 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted discussions at Downing Street with the creators of the Netflix series "Adolescence," which addresses incel culture and its implications for young boys. Starmer acknowledged the complexities of the issue, stating there is no "simple solution" to prevent boys from being drawn into a "whirlpool of hatred and misogyny."
As part of the government's response, a spokesperson from the Department for Education highlighted their commitment to supporting schools in building resilience against extremism. "We know the rise of dangerous influencers is having a damaging impact on our children, which is why we are supporting the sector in their crucial role building young people’s resilience to extremism as part of our Plan for Change," the spokesperson said.
Despite these efforts, many educators feel that more needs to be done. The Liberal Democrats have criticized the current approach, arguing that toxic algorithms on social media are pushing children into harmful online environments. Munira Wilson, the party’s education spokesperson, stated, "Toxic algorithms are pushing many children into dark corners of the internet, where sinister attitudes that cause terrible harm in the real world, including in our schools, are free to develop."
Teachers also expressed frustration over parental involvement, reporting that some parents have become increasingly hostile when approached about their children's behavior. One delegate remarked that unacceptable behavior is often tolerated in schools due to the pressure to meet attendance targets, which can lead to a reluctance to suspend or exclude students.
As the NASUWT conference progresses, it is clear that the issues surrounding social media's influence on young people are not going away any time soon. With calls for a national strategy to tackle these problems, educators hope for a more comprehensive approach that includes enhancing social media literacy and critical thinking skills among students.
Roach concluded with a call for a real-terms pay award for teachers, emphasizing that any failure to address their compensation will likely lead to significant unrest among educators. He stated, "We need a national emergency plan to tackle what has become a critical issue affecting our schools and our children."
The discussions at the NASUWT conference and the ongoing concerns raised by teachers underscore the urgent need for action to combat the negative influences of social media personalities like Andrew Tate. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, the safety and well-being of students must remain a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
