Last year, we published an article titled, “Social Media, Gendered Misconduct, and the Objectification of Girls in Schools” in response to the growing number of teen girls telling us they were seeing an increase in misogynistic behaviour from some male peers. (1) However, just yesterday, a middle school female teacher reached out to us with a concerning update, she and several of her female colleagues are now also experiencing this kind of behaviour, directed at them by male students. Her question was simple but important, “What should I do as a female educator when confronted with this kind of unwanted behaviour?” We are not licensed educators, we are professional digital literacy and internet safety advocates, but we do have a knowledge base specific to this issue that we believe allows us to offer guidance. It’s been our experience that what this teacher described is not an isolated case. Since the rise of controversial figures like Andrew Tate (2) and others who promote the message of misogyny online, many educators, particularly women, have reported a troubling uptick in gendered disrespect and misogynistic harassment from primarily male students. These reports are no longer limited to high school settings; increasingly, they are coming from middle and even elementary schools educators as well. This is not just a Canadian challenge, educators in other countries such as the USA,UK, and Australia are experiencing the same this (3)(4)(5). This is not an issue that can be ignored or brushed off as “just boys being boys.” That phrase is not only outdated, it is harmful. It normalizes sexist attitudes and behaviour, sends the wrong message to students, and undermines the safety and professionalism of school staff. Schools must stand united in setting clear expectations about respectful behaviour and creating environments that are inclusive, safe, and supportive for everyone, including our educators. When a female teacher experiences inappropriate or sexist behaviour from a student, it must be addressed promptly, but with professionalism, care, and safety in mind. The first and most important step is to recognize the behaviour for what it is. Whether it’s disrespectful comments, inappropriate jokes, sexualized remarks, or attempts to undermine authority based on gender, these are all forms of gender-based violence. They are not simply rude, they are boundary violations and, in some cases, workplace safety and harassment issues as designated by most provincial Work Safe governing bodies. Female educators should never feel they have to tolerate such conduct in silence. If you find yourself confronted with student based misogynistic behaviour, it’s important not to ignore it. Set a clear personal and professional boundary in the moment. Calmly but firmly name the behaviour and let the student know that it is inappropriate, unacceptable, and will be followed up on. For example, a simple response might be, “That comment is disrespectful. We do not speak to anyone that way in this classroom.” It is best practice, in our opinion, to follow up with the student in a more private setting to address the behaviour in depth. However, do not do this alone. Ensure you have a colleague, preferably a male colleague if available, as a witness to the conversation. This is not about your ability to manage your classroom or assert your authority; it’s about ensuring transparency, safety, and support in what is a professional workplace interaction. Schools are not just places of learning, they are also workplaces governed by the same workplace safety regulations as any other professional environment. As a teacher, you are entitled to feel safe and respected at work not just from other colleagues, but also from students. Just as we work to protect students from harm, we must also protect teachers from targeted, inappropriate, or harassing behaviour from both students and colleagues. If you experience inappropriate comments, gestures, or interactions, remember that it is not your fault, and there is no excuse or justification for such behaviour. Document what occurred, include the date, time, what was said or done, and your response. Contemporaneous notes of any incident is extremely important.  Then report it. Start with your school principal. If needed, inform your union representative , and make a note of the date, time, and who you notified. These structures exist to protect educators and ensure accountability is upheld. Consequences for student misconduct should be communicated clearly and handled appropriately, but they should not happen in silence. While individual student privacy must be respected, schools need to make it publicly known, through assemblies, newsletters, staff meetings, and classroom discussions, that they have zero tolerance for sexist or harassing behaviour, whether directed at students or staff. Publicly reinforcing expectations is essential to creating a healthy school climate where everyone knows the boundaries and what happens when they are crossed. However, schools must go beyond just measured consequences to actions. While measured disciplinary actions, such as restorative practices, may be warranted, it is not enough. Prevention and education are critical. Misogynistic behaviour doesn’t occur in a vacuum, it is learned, whether online, at home, from peers, or a combination of all three. The most effective way to address this issue is through education. Teaching healthy relationships, consent, empathy, and gender respect should not be limited to a single health class unit. These values must be integrated across subjects and woven throughout the school year. Schools play a key role in shaping the social values of young people and are on the frontline when it comes to challenging the toxic ideologies many students may be absorbing online. Avoiding or dismissing the reality of this behaviour in schools, and failing to talk about it in a pedagogical way, only gives it space to grow and worsen. Every adult in the school, whether in the classroom, the hallways, or on the playground, must model appropriate, respectful behaviour. Students are always watching. They learn not just from what educators teach, but from how they interact, how they respond to conflict, and how they support one another. When educators model solidarity and professionalism, students often learn to … Continue reading When Teachers Are The Target for Misogynistic Behaviour By Students