A new nationwide survey shows that sexism, misogyny and sexual harassment in Australia’s schools is much more widespread than previously thought.
The survey of 2,668 Australian Education Union (AEU) member teachers by Monash University found that 78% of respondents observed or experienced sexism or misogyny in school, while one in three observed or experienced this frequently.
Nearly eight in ten teachers report witnessing or experiencing gendered violence at school, with half noting a rise among students. Almost all believe their students are exposed to manosphere content, and 70% have seen its influence on classroom behaviour.
‘Urgent political action needed’
Co-author, Professor Steven Roberts from the Faculty of Arts at Monash University, said the findings demonstrate the issue requires “urgent political action.”
“Our research in the last three years has documented a large number of stories of misogyny faced by teachers in schools, indicating a resurgent form of brazen 'male supremacy' among boys and young men,” Professor Roberts said in a statement.
“Now, in addition to understanding the shape and experience of the problem, the data in our research report today signals the scale and prevalence of the problem nationally. There is now absolutely no doubt that political attention and action is required.”
‘Danielle’, a teacher with over 10 years of experience, shared her personal experiences in the classroom.
“I have personally experienced and bore witness to male students verbally and physically assaulting female staff and sexually harassing staff both in and outside the classroom – all for it to be considered as students simply 'misbehaving’,” she said.
“Now, in addition to these, sadly common, traumatising experiences, we are facing a daily struggle against pervasive misogynistic ideas in our classrooms and out in the yard, undermining our ability to effectively teach and eroding our self-worth.”
The report calls for urgent government action, including stronger workplace health and safety protections, fair pay and greater gender equity in leadership, tougher regulation of psychosocial hazards, and better access to workers' compensation for affected teachers. It also urges fully resourced Respectful Relationships Education across all schools, alongside tighter regulation of social media platforms in partnership with the eSafety Commissioner.
Schools can't solve this on their own
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the report was a sobering read that highlights the urgent need for actions by Governments to address this growing problem.
“This research confirms what we know anecdotally, that there has been a disturbing rise in boys displaying misogynistic attitudes in schools, often fuelled by the manosphere, with increasing reports of sexism and gendered disrespect towards female students and teachers,” Haythorpe said in a statement today.
“Female teachers are reporting persistent misogyny, sexual harassment and a lack of respect from some male students, including language and behaviour that reflects disturbing beliefs about male superiority.”
“This behaviour is disrupting girls’ education and driving teachers out of the profession at a time when Australia is already facing a teacher shortage,” AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said.
“These issues cannot continue to be dismissed or ignored. Schools and school leaders should not be expected to deal with these issues alone.”
Haythorpe said misogyny, sexism and harassment in schools is “a systems issue that requires a systems solution.”
“Schools need strong support from Governments and Education departments with clear policies, proper resourcing and strong leadership to challenge misogyny and support safe workplaces and learning environments.”