A $7.8 million funding boost has been announced to strengthen Victorian schools’ efforts to tackle toxic masculinity and harmful rhetoric, such as that spread by controversial influencer Andrew Tate. The funding is part of a larger initiative to promote respectful relationships, teaching students about consent, sexual abuse, and the harmful effects of pornography.
This move comes in response to growing concerns over the influence of social media figures like Tate, whose views, critics argue, contribute to misogynistic behavior and unhealthy perceptions of masculinity among young people.
The Andrew Tate Effect: Combating Misogyny in Schools
The Victorian government’s Respectful Relationships Curriculum, which began in 2016, has already reached over 1900 schools, including state, independent, religious, and non-government institutions. This recent funding infusion will allow for an update to the curriculum, specifically addressing the misogynistic ideologies promoted by influencers like Tate.
Tim Richardson, Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change, emphasized the need to address these harmful influences directly, stating that such resources are vital for driving behavioral change in schools across the state.
“These updated resources will help students navigate toxic influences and foster healthier relationships, counteracting the dangerous rhetoric of people like Andrew Tate,” Richardson said.
Andrew Tate, currently facing charges of rape and human trafficking, rose to prominence by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that has attracted millions of followers. His controversial views on women and relationships, particularly his statements dismissing women’s rights and demeaning attitudes toward CPR for male friends, have drawn widespread criticism.
Empowering Students Through Education
Vicki Ward, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, highlighted the importance of embedding respect into relationships. She explained that the new educational materials will equip students with the skills to counter misogynistic and gender-based bullying, helping them to navigate challenges such as sextortion and pornography.
“Embedding respect into relationships is fundamental to the wellbeing of our kids—for them to feel respected and to respect others,” said Ms. Ward.
A new expression of interest process has opened, allowing schools to sign up for the enhanced program. Schools that opt in will receive funding and implementation guidance from the government to help integrate these materials effectively.
As of today, over 1950 Victorian schools, including 370 non-government institutions, have signed up for the Respectful Relationships Curriculum, a clear sign of the widespread commitment to addressing toxic masculinity in the classroom.
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