# Debate intensifies over manosphere influence in schools

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/misogyny-and-sexism-in-australian-schools
> Updated: 2026-09-02T01:44:06.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

The crisis of misogyny and sexism in Australian schools has expanded into a broader political and social debate regarding the influence of the ‘manosphere’. While previous research highlighted the impact of online subcultures on student behavior and teacher retention, recent commentary has introduced conflicting perspectives on the root causes.

Nationals leader Matt Canavan has attributed the rise of such content to the ‘feminisation of curriculum’ and a perceived lack of male role models, suggesting that boys feel ‘patronised’ in current educational settings. Conversely, advocates such as Chanel Costo from Teach Us Consent warn that social media platforms are actively radicalising young men through content that blames women for male misfortune. In response to these developments, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek indicated that the Australian government is exploring options regarding algorithmically curated social media feeds.

Similar trends have been reported in the United Kingdom, where the teaching union NASUWT has warned of a ‘masculinity crisis’. In that region, nearly a quarter of female teachers have reportedly experienced misogynistic abuse, and data from The Children’s Society suggests nearly two-thirds of young men consume content from ‘masculinity’ influencers.

## Claims

- A Monash University study of over 2,600 Australian Education Union member teachers found widespread sexism, misogyny, and sexual harassment in schools. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 78 percent of surveyed teachers reported observing or experiencing sexism, misogyny, or gendered violence in their schools. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- One in three teachers reported observing or experiencing such behavior frequently. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 95 percent of teachers believe at least some of their students access ‘manosphere’ online content. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 70 percent of teachers noticed the influence of online misogynistic content on students' attitudes and behavior in the past year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Dr. Stephanie Wescott stated that government schools must be treated as workplaces subject to standard health, safety, and anti-discrimination laws. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 50 percent of respondents reported an increase in gendered violence among students in both primary and secondary schools. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- One in three female teachers considered leaving the profession due to gendered violence. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Manosphere influence sparks debate over misogyny and education

The rise of ‘manosphere’ content is linked to increasing misogyny in schools and radicalisation of young men in Australia and the UK, sparking debates over curriculum and social media algorithms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manosphere-influence-sparks-debate-over-misogyny-and-education

### 2026-08-28: Monash University study reveals widespread sexism and misogyny in Australian schools

A Monash University study of 2,600 Australian teachers reveals that 78 percent have experienced or observed sexism and misogyny in schools, driven partly by online ‘manosphere’ content.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monash-university-study-reveals-widespread-sexism-and-misogyny-in-australian-schools

### 2026-08-09: Misogyny in Australian schools linked to online manosphere content

Australian schools are facing a crisis of rising misogyny and sexism fueled by

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-schools-face-crisis-of-rising-misogyny

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Cite as: Debate intensifies over manosphere influence in schools. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/misogyny-and-sexism-in-australian-schools
