When TikTok Takes Over the Classroom: Sexism on the Rise

Female Teachers Being Ignored

A new report from the UK teaching union NASUWT shows that social media is having a serious impact on student behavior. Out of 5,800 teachers surveyed, nearly 60% believe platforms like TikTok and YouTube are making things worse in the classroom. Many specifically point to Andrew Tate, whose videos are influencing boys’ attitudes toward women and authority figures.

One teacher shared: “I’ve had 10-year-old boys refuse to speak to me… because I’m a woman.” Others report that derogatory language toward female staff is becoming more common – directly linked to the content boys consume online.

The Hate Spreads – and Adults Are Falling Behind

The issue has reached the highest levels of politics. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently met with the creators of the Netflix series Adolescence to discuss how to shield young boys from a growing “whirlpool of hatred and misogyny.” The show focuses on so-called “incel” culture, where women are viewed as enemies instead of people.

NASUWT General Secretary Patrick Roach didn’t hold back: “There is an urgent need for collective action to protect young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists.”

Teachers show up to educate – but today, many have to fight just to be heard.

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