The state government of Victoria has announced an updated Respectful Relationships teaching program with new content aimed at combating toxic masculinity, particularly in response to figures such as Andrew Tate, who are known for promoting harmful ideologies online. This new program will be implemented in more Catholic and independent schools in addition to state schools. Students will be educated on how to recognize online toxic masculinity, hate speech, and coercive control, as well as how to resist peer pressure and challenge alpha male rhetoric.
Deakin University Associate Professor Debbie Ollis, who co-developed the updated material with University of Melbourne’s Professor Helen Cahill, emphasized the importance of teaching young men to recognize harmful behavior in themselves. Ollis noted that a significant percentage of students in some classes have been influenced by figures like Andrew Tate, highlighting the urgent need to address the impact of online influencers on real-world violence and abuse. The updated Respectful Relationships program is a key initiative of the state Labor government’s Royal Commission into Family Violence.
Since the initial implementation of the Respectful Relationships program in state schools in 2016, figures like Andrew Tate and the rise of the manosphere have become more prominent, sparking concerns among educators, parents, and mental health experts. The online reach of these influencers has raised fears of radicalization of teenagers and young men into extreme misogynist ideologies. Recent incidents of deepfake pornography, attacks on female students by male peers, and other forms of online misogyny have prompted the need for an update to the program to address the evolving social landscape and counter harmful behaviors.
The updated Respectful Relationships program aims to equip students with the skills to challenge toxic masculinity, hate speech, and coercive control, as well as to resist peer pressure and combat alpha male rhetoric. By educating young people on recognizing and addressing harmful behavior both online and in real life, the program seeks to promote healthier relationships and prevent violence and abuse. The involvement of Catholic and independent schools in implementing the new content demonstrates a broad commitment to addressing the influence of figures like Andrew Tate and promoting respect and equality among students.
The partnership between Deakin University and the University of Melbourne in developing the updated material reflects a collaborative effort to address the complexities of toxic masculinity and online misogyny. By drawing on research and expertise in the field, the program aims to provide students with practical tools and strategies to navigate and challenge harmful ideologies and behaviors. The recognition of the links between online influencers and real-world violence underscores the urgency of addressing these issues in educational settings to promote safer and healthier communities.
Overall, the updated Respectful Relationships program in Victoria represents a comprehensive effort to combat toxic masculinity and online misogyny through education and awareness. By empowering young people to recognize and challenge harmful behaviors and ideologies, the program seeks to promote respectful and equal relationships and prevent violence and abuse. The collaboration between universities and the involvement of a diverse range of schools in implementing the new content demonstrate a broad commitment to addressing the influence of figures like Andrew Tate and creating a safer and more inclusive educational environment for all students.
