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.
