Yarra Valley Grammar recently expelled two students for partaking in a chat group where they ranked girls in categories, displaying uncaring, cruel, sexist, and bullying behavior. However, the responsibility of changing these young men’s behavior now falls on another school, as Yarra Valley Grammar has absolved itself of this duty. The headmaster, Mark Merry, insists that such conduct is not reflective of the school as a whole, but the reality is that there is a national crisis in Australia concerning men who abuse and murder their female partners. This crisis is rooted in the warped, possessive mindsets that young men are developing towards girls and women, often influenced by social media and wealth-driven entitlement.
While Merry can claim to have taken swift action by expelling the two students, the underlying issue remains unaddressed. Expelling a few bad apples does not solve the problem of toxic masculinity and disrespect towards women that is pervasive in Australian society. A stronger approach would have involved providing the boys with counseling, making amends to the girls they harmed, and actively working to change the culture within the school and the broader community. It is clear that current efforts, such as Respectful Relationships lessons and anti-bullying campaigns, are not enough to counteract the toxic attitudes that many young men are internalizing.
The decision to shift responsibility to another school not only avoids confronting the root causes of toxic masculinity but also reinforces a culture of privilege and entitlement. By failing to hold these boys accountable for their actions and allowing them to simply move on to another school, Yarra Valley Grammar is perpetuating a cycle of harmful behavior towards women. It is essential for schools, families, and communities to acknowledge that the way we are raising young men is failing our girls and women. Meaningful change will only be possible if we address the underlying attitudes and beliefs that contribute to gender-based violence and discrimination.
Addressing the crisis of toxic masculinity and violence against women requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, counseling, and ongoing support for both the perpetrators and the victims. Schools have a crucial role to play in instilling values of respect and equality in young minds, but this cannot be achieved by simply removing a few students from the equation. There is a need for a holistic approach that involves engaging young men in conversations about healthy relationships, consent, and gender equality. By failing to take responsibility for addressing the root causes of toxic masculinity, Yarra Valley Grammar and other schools risk perpetuating harmful behaviors that have dire consequences for women and girls in Australia.
