UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's Call for More Male Teachers Amid Social Media Concerns
Published on 4.5.25
The growing concern over the impact of social media on children's well-being has led to a renewed focus on education and the role of positive male influences in shaping young minds. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized the need for more men to become teachers, citing the importance of strong, positive male role models to counteract the "toxic online influences" that are affecting boys.
Sir Gareth Southgate has cautioned about the impact of male social media influencers like Andrew Tate, a self-described misogynist with millions of followers. Phillipson warns that disinformation can be easily absorbed by children, leading them to fall under the spell of toxic role models online.
Experts from Save the Children recommend building secure attachment relationships and modeling emotional regulation to help children develop healthy online habits. This is crucial in providing a supportive learning environment that promotes positive values and behaviors.
A significant percentage of parents (75%) worry about exposure to inappropriate content and internet crimes, while 59% fear their child could become a victim. Educators must be proactive in addressing these concerns and providing children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.