Rise of concern in schools related to Andrew Tate’s social media presence

Margaux Martinez

Andrew Tate's influence causes concern amongst British schools

Known to the public since the beginning of the 2000s and made famous by a kickboxing career, the social media influencer Andrew Tate has raised many concerns in British society in the past few months.

Influential on TikTok and Instagram, Andrew Tate presents himself as a role model to young boys and men, posing with fast cars, young models and displaying his money in his videos. He claims to offer men a recipe to become as rich and powerful as him.

However, his lifestyle goals are also seen as deeply misogynistic, often showcasing himself harassing women and considering them as inferior to men. Currently arrested in Romania since December 2022 on suspicions of human trafficking and rape, his influence remains important.

In the UK, many accounts of boys in schools perpetrating Tate’s ideas about women have been reported. According to The Guardian, a student told his female teacher, “What do you know, you’re a woman, you can’t teach me anything”. This harassment of teachers and female students has been seen all over the country.

In the UK, many accounts of boys in schools perpetuating Tate's ideas

Schools have tried turning to Prevent, an intervention programme designed to protect individuals from extremist and radicalist views. Worried about the weight of Tate’s ideas on young children, they wished to have it classed under it to help take action.

However, Tate’s views have somehow managed to escape fitting into the Prevent sphere, not being recognised under the term ‘incel’. Dr Tim Squirrell denounces this saying that “claiming that it is not and shouldn’t be considered a terrorist threat is misguided”.

Schools have thus been obligated to talk about Andrew Tate as part of a larger discussion surrounding hate. In Newcastle, a specific class was created to allow a conversation on the impacts of gender stereotypes on children and teenagers. As Tate’s opinions are shared everywhere, it becomes a necessity for schools to educate their pupils on such topics.

Girls report that it is hard for them at school because of some students' misogynistic reflections on their ambitions, led by Andrew Tate’s influence.

It is also hard for young men who do not fit the expectation of a man and are seen as weaker by their friends. “A big strong rugby lad is the kind of person you’re supposed to be”.

Opening a dialogue is the first step to take in tackling Andrew Tate’s influence in schools. It might even lead to greater discussions regarding gender roles and stereotypes.

Read more about Andrew Tate on pg. 11