Educators address the risks of harmful online content shaping students’ attitudes.

Concerns over the influence of Andrew Tate’s controversial social media presence have led a west London school to host dedicated assemblies addressing the issue. Matt Adams, the school’s head of performing arts, initiated the sessions to counteract the spread of Tate’s messages among pupils.

Teachers warn that Tate’s online content, which promotes toxic masculinity and misogyny, could act as a “gateway drug” leading children to encounter more harmful material. Mr Adams observed that some boys in his school either support Tate’s views outright, excuse them, or dismiss criticism by claiming his words are misquoted.

“Tate’s messages glorify a lifestyle of materialism and arrogance, which appeals to young men who believe they need to emulate him to succeed,” said Mr Adams. He noted that some students accept Tate’s distrust of governments and taxes as credible, leading them to assume his other views are also valid.

Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer and social media influencer, has millions of followers across platforms. His notoriety stems from controversial statements, including one suggesting women should “bear some responsibility” for their own assaults. His content has reached over 12 billion views on TikTok through hashtags associated with his name.

Another teacher, Matthew Simpson, who works at a secondary school in Bristol, reported that students often reference out-of-context memes about Tate, such as the colour of his Bugatti. “Many are unaware of the broader context of his misogynistic views and the damage they cause,” he said, adding that brief clips of Tate’s content risk leading young viewers toward his more dangerous rhetoric.

Currently detained in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape—allegations he denies—Tate remains a divisive figure. While his following persists, educators like Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL teachers’ union, recognise the need for urgent action.

“There’s widespread concern among school leaders regarding the harmful material Andrew Tate promotes. While most boys remain respectful, some are drawn to his rhetoric, posing challenges for educators and society at large,” Barton said.

These assemblies reflect a proactive effort by schools to safeguard impressionable minds from online content that undermines respect and equality, fostering critical thinking among the next generation.

A teacher shares insights on the growing influence of Andrew Tate and its implications in the classroom.

As a teacher, I’ve had an up-close view of how Andrew Tate’s polarising views are affecting my 15-year-old students. While some students unequivocally reject his controversial statements, others are more sympathetic towards him, which has raised concerns among staff. To address this, our school has introduced “Andrew Tate assemblies” for all year groups to foster dialogue and understanding.

Among the students, opinions about Tate are split. Many girls and LGBT+ students label him a “scammer” and find his views on gender and sexual violence deeply troubling. However, some male students express strong support for him, often citing Tate’s luxurious lifestyle as a symbol of success that they aspire to emulate. Interestingly, these students tend to rely solely on Tate’s own videos to justify his rhetoric, while those opposing his views bring in external perspectives and well-researched arguments.

Tate’s extreme comments on sexual violence and his self-described misogyny have caused particular concern. His statements, such as suggesting that it’s easier to avoid rape charges in Eastern Europe and asserting that women who see themselves as equals to men are “not worth his time,” are alarming. The fact that some students continue to support him despite such harmful views is worrisome.

What’s even more concerning is the unquestioning nature of Tate’s followers. They repeat his words as if they were gospel, without critically examining the broader implications of his philosophy. His messages are steeped in toxic masculinity, victim-blaming, and a lack of empathy for others, all of which could have lasting effects on the way these young people approach relationships in the future.

I’ve noticed that many male students seem drawn to the image Tate projects—a life of wealth and power, symbolised by his Bugatti and flashy lifestyle. This aspiration to “be like Tate” is seductive, and some boys believe that if they adopt his views on topics like government distrust and taxes, they will be on the right path to success. One student even told me that since Tate was “correct” about these issues, everything else he says must also be true.

Despite these challenges, I’m proud of my school for the diverse and positive role models we have. Our teachers don’t rely on wealth or toxic masculinity to earn respect. Instead, they demonstrate that hard work, care, and kindness are the true measures of worth. These role models show our students that success and respect are earned through effort and compassion—not through the pursuit of superficial goals or embracing harmful ideologies.