The state government of Victoria is taking steps to combat online toxic masculinity in schools by updating its Respectful Relationships teaching program to include new course content specifically aimed at figures like Andrew Tate. The program will focus on helping students recognize toxic masculinity, hate speech, and coercive control, as well as providing skills to resist peer pressure and counter “alpha male” arguments. Developed by Deakin University Associate Professor Debbie Ollis and University of Melbourne Professor Helen Cahill, the program aims to teach young men to recognize harmful behavior in themselves and others. Ollis noted that up to 20% of students in some classes have been influenced by figures like Tate, highlighting the need for a targeted approach to address this issue.
The Respectful Relationships program, a key recommendation of the state Labor government’s Royal Commission into Family Violence, was originally introduced in 2016 before figures like Andrew Tate gained widespread popularity in online spaces. However, the subsequent growth of the “manosphere” and the rise of influencers promoting extreme misogynist ideologies have raised concerns among educators, parents, and mental health experts. The online reach of influencers like Tate has led to worries about the radicalization of teenagers and young men into harmful belief systems, with real-world consequences including violence and abuse. To address these issues, the program has been updated to reflect the changing social environment and the need to combat online misogyny.
With recent incidents in Victorian schools, including deepfake pornography, attacks against female students by male peers, and other forms of online misogynistic behavior, the need for updated education programs like Respectful Relationships has become more urgent. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to identify and resist toxic masculinity, hate speech, and coercive control, the program aims to create a safer and more respectful school environment for all students. The updated content will also target “manfluencers” like Tate, who promote harmful ideologies that can have a negative impact on young people’s attitudes and behaviors. By addressing the root causes of online toxic masculinity, the program seeks to prevent further instances of violence and abuse.
The collaboration between Deakin University and the University of Melbourne to develop the updated Respectful Relationships material underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackling online toxic masculinity. By combining expertise from different fields, the program can better address the complex factors contributing to harmful behavior among young men. Recognizing the influence of online influencers like Andrew Tate, the program aims to provide students with the critical thinking skills necessary to resist harmful ideologies and challenge harmful beliefs. Through education and awareness, the program seeks to empower students to create a more inclusive and respectful society that values gender equality and healthy relationships.
As schools grapple with the challenge of addressing online toxic masculinity and its real-world consequences, the updated Respectful Relationships program offers a valuable resource for educators and students alike. By incorporating new content specifically targeting figures like Andrew Tate and the harmful ideologies they promote, the program equips students with the tools they need to navigate complex social dynamics and resist harmful influences. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for education programs to adapt and respond to emerging threats like toxic masculinity and online misogyny. By staying ahead of the curve and addressing these issues proactively, schools can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all students, free from the harmful effects of online toxic masculinity.
