Local schools need relationship education support from Glow because of Andrew Tate
Last month our Education and Prevention Team saw an increase in relationship education enquiries.
Many of the messages from local schools named social media star Andrew Tate as the reason for needing support.
At Glow we’re on a mission to address, overcome and end relationship abuse. One of the ways we work towards this is by delivering relationship education sessions in local schools and colleges.
Our relationship education programme, Relationships without Fear, is adapted for all ages from primary school to college students. Sessions teach young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships, red flags, emotions and where to access support if they need it.
We’ve been supporting schools for two decades, but last month our team noticed something concerning.
In the first week of January, 40% of all enquiries from teachers named Andrew Tate as the reason for needing relationship education in their school.
The former kickboxing world champion recently rose to fame and gained millions of social media followers because of his sexist comments. Homophobic remarks, racial slurs and misogynistic comments around the #MeToo movement even saw him barred from Twitter. He has since been reinstated.
Now schools are worried about the impact that his comments are having on pupils, especially teenage boys who are showing signs of echoing Tate’s views.
Education and Prevention Team Leader Sarah Buckley works within our services for children and young people. She’s shared her thoughts on Andrew Tate and what schools can do to protect pupils and guide them in the right direction.
Sarah said: “In January we saw a significant increase in enquiries for our relationship education programmes. Schools really need our support, guidance and advice in addressing issues that are arising in schools and at home because of Andrew Tate and his comments.
“He is directly influencing young and impressionable teenage boys, with many already starting to replicate his sexist statements and views. This is impacting not only how they see the world, but also how they perceive women and their relationships with them.
“We’ve all spotted this online but now we’re actually seeing it in the real world – in our classrooms.”
Our Relationship without Fear programme covers misogyny, gender and stereotypes, but is also continually updated to reflect modern trends. At the moment that includes Andrew Tate.
Sarah continued: “If we don’t teach teenagers about healthy relationships, including sex and consent, then they will learn it from other sources, like Andrew Tate.
“We can’t be scared of talking about him. He’s in the public eye and all over social media – his glamorised lifestyle is something that young people are almost aspiring to.”
We’re working with local schools to support them and their pupils, but what else can schools do to tackle the wider issue?
“Having healthy debates and conversations in schools is really key,” added Sarah.
“It’s so important to give students the opportunity to discuss things with their peers and staff.
“It’s easy to turn a blind eye and shy away, but we can’t pretend that this isn’t happening. Instead, we must tackle the issue head on.
“We need to give young people strong role models and call out any behaviour that we notice, as well as empowering young women to do the same.”
Find out more about our education and prevention service here.
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