Teachers union warns of 'masculinity crisis' brewing in schools

A recent warning from a teaching union highlights an emerging “masculinity crisis” in UK schools, following a survey revealing that nearly one in four female teachers have experienced misogynistic abuse from pupils in the past year. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the NASUWT union has documented a steady rise in reports of such behaviour, with figures increasing from 17.4% in 2023 to 23.4%.

The impact of this misogyny on teachers has been profound. Some educators described the abuse as “traumatising,” while others expressed feelings of being “humiliated” and “violated.” Matt Wrack, the general secretary of NASUWT, emphasized the urgency of the situation, characterizing the struggle female teachers face in managing gender-based aggression as a “ticking time bomb.” He stressed the necessity of assisting male students before the problem worsens, warning, “We have a masculinity crisis brewing in our schools. Teachers desperately need increased support to deal with this new frontier of behaviour management.”

The survey also uncovered disturbing incidents, including one female teacher who reported that a student created AI-generated naked images of her and other girls, which she called “horrifying.” Another described being confronted and shouted at by boys, who even joked about sexual violence in her presence and laughed when challenged. Many teachers also noted that their attempts to address problematic behaviours were met with misogynistic responses or outright dismissal by male pupils, often due to the teachers’ gender. Among the 5,087 teachers surveyed across the UK, over 20% reported experiencing sexist, racist, or homophobic language from pupils within the last year.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Professor Lee Elliot Major from the University of Exeter highlighted the overwhelming responsibilities placed on teachers today, likening them to “de facto parents” within the classroom. He explained how societal problems frequently surface in school environments, observing, “The reality is that a teacher these days is a counsellor, a social worker, a poverty alleviator and a guardian of respectful values.” Major added that teachers are stretched thin, facing unprecedented challenges without adequate training. Wrack also called for professional development programs specifically aimed at empowering educators to “identify, challenge, and safely de-escalate behaviour rooted in online radicalisation, sexism, and hate.”

In response to these concerns, the NASUWT is advocating for measures such as banning social media access for individuals under 16 and prohibiting mobile phones in schools. A Department for Education spokesperson acknowledged that misogynistic attitudes are learned behaviours and affirmed the government’s commitment to reducing violence against women and girls. The department has updated its guidance for schools, is equipping teachers with resources to recognize incel-related ideologies, and is tightening rules regarding mobile phone use in educational settings

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