A nationwide survey by the NASUWT teaching union has revealed that online influencers like Andrew Tate and Donald Trump are fuelling a surge in sexist, racist, and disruptive behavior among students in UK schools. Released during the union’s annual conference in Liverpool, the poll gathered responses from more than 5,800 teachers.
Nearly 60% of respondents said student behavior has worsened due to social media, with specific concerns about boys adopting misogynistic attitudes. Teachers reported incidents where boys refused to speak to female staff, used sexist language, and imitated toxic online rhetoric. One teacher noted that even 10-year-olds were refusing to engage with female teachers due to beliefs inspired by Tate.
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General Secretary Patrick Roach called the situation a “national emergency,” stating that two-thirds of teachers link social media directly to increased bullying and classroom disruption. He also criticized policies restricting student exclusions, arguing that they hinder schools from enforcing discipline.
The Department for Education responded by highlighting new initiatives like the Online Safety Act and updated curricula to counter extremist narratives. Meanwhile, NASUWT members demanded a stronger national strategy and passed motions addressing teacher pay, school behavior policies, and union autonomy.
