Both teachers and students will likely have heard of Andrew Tate, along with his rise and subsequent fall on Social Media.

From extreme views regarding the role of women, right through to controlling and coercive behaviour, Channel 4’s recent documentary “I am Andrew Tate” – ‘The explosive story of one of the world’s most infamous and controversial internet stars’ rise, arrest and fall’ left us contemplating how stories like this can impact school settings, and in particular the young people consuming his content.

Safeguarding Adviser, Jo Perrin, dives into how the documentary relates to safeguarding, what DSLs and staff need to know, as well as what children and parents need to be aware of.

How does it relate to safeguarding? 

• Extreme views regarding the role of women 
• Domestic Abuse including Controlling and Coercive Behaviour 
• Physical and Sexual Abuse 
• Violence Against Women and Girls 
• Misogyny 
• Anti-Bullying Work and developing positive relationships
• Equality and opportunity 
• Online Safety 
• Human Trafficking 

What do DSLs and school leaders need to know and do? 

• Ensure your safeguarding culture supports staff to report any language and views shared by students that may refer to the theories promoted by Adrew Tate – this will involve staff training on the basics of Tate’s story and social media presence. 
• Ensure your safeguarding in the curriculum for all age groups promotes positive relationships, gender equality and the principles of consent (not limited to sexual consent). 
• Check your policies are clear there is no tolerance of extreme views or gender inequality of any kind. 
• Spot check that staff are challenging sexist and violent language as well as any physical acts.   
• Is your filtering system bespoke to your setting’s needs – what language is becoming common that needs to be added to your online filtering system and how often is this updated? Is it regular enough to address changes in student attitudes and language? 

What do all staff need to know and do? 

Andrew Tate’s appeal to many young men is not primarily about his views on women, they are attracted to his marketing messages about “success”, “money” and entitlement to aspire to a wealthy lifestyle. The extreme views on women then become a kind of subliminal message, which we need to counter. 

Challenge and report via safeguarding systems any language that refers to “Andrew Tate”, “the matrix”, any misogynistic language or language around the lack of sexual consent.   

Do not leave challenge and discussion about this to PSHE lessons – it is everyone’s responsibility.   

Hand gestures – a triangle formed by forefingers – this is used by Tate and supporters and represents endorsement of violent misogyny. It allows supporters of Tate to be a silent part of the “in crowd” and is popular with boys as it’s easy to deny meaning, but can be threatening to girls and female staff.  The triangle shape is also potentially linked to the Illuminati conspiracy theory. This links to his comments about battling against “the matrix” (some kind of secret enemy keeping ordinary people “down”), which allows him to play the role of a martyr for speaking his truth. 

What do children need to know? 

• The law about (sexual) consent – as the programme discusses non-consensual sex and how consent can be revoked during a sexual relationship. 
• The law about Domestic Abuse.
• Discussion about societal power structures and the freedoms afforded by Human Rights Acts we sign up to – this can counter balance talk of “the matrix” or the Illuminati. 
• Positive Relationships and Equality need to be explicitly taught to all age groups – repeatedly, using a spiral curriculum. 
• Allow children a safe forum to discuss issues – but do not be instructive in the in-depth views and actions of Andrew Tate. If a student mentions him, reference how his actions and words do not follow the Equality Act or laws on violence etc. 

What do parents need to know? 

Be aware of catch up TV services – has a PIN/password protected system been set up to prevent children accessing age-inappropriate content?   

Andrew Tate is a figure popular on social media who has a huge following of teenage boys and young adult males. He has extremely controversial views regarding the role of women and views of being controlled by authority figures in society.

His videos are shared extensively on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

He developed an online programme “Hustlers University” to encourage men to become financially (and therefore romantically) “successful”.

Share this basic information via your newsletter for example, without being instructive. You might develop a short list of key terms parents might note (verbally in discussion or via internet search history) that might raise concern and encourage them to share with the school DSL/pastoral lead in that case. 

About the Author

Jo Perrin - Adviser, Services For Education

Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.

With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.

Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.

With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.

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