Advertisement

Bradford schools urge children to use 'critical thinking' on Andrew Tate's views

A view of BBG Academy and Beckfoot Oakbank, left, and a photo of Andrew Tate <i>(Image: Newsquest/PA/Pixabay/Google Maps)</i>
A view of BBG Academy and Beckfoot Oakbank, left, and a photo of Andrew Tate (Image: Newsquest/PA/Pixabay/Google Maps)

Schools in Bradford are tackling misogyny head-on and are urging students to use "criticial thinking" in relation to the views of social media influencer Andrew Tate.

The former kickboxer, who has nearly five million followers on Twitter, was previously banned from various prominent social media platforms for expressing misogynistic views and hate speech.

Mr Tate’s social media streams of his flashy lifestyle and political views have been viewed billions of times worldwide.

But Mr Tate’s posts have sparked wider conversations about the impact of his views on young men using social media.

Two schools in the Bradford district have now started working with young people to discuss the impact of misogyny and certain language choices.

In a letter to parents, Saira Luffman, headteacher of BBG Academy in Birkenshaw, referenced national media reports about the “concerning rise in misogynist comments and attitudes from some students”.

Meanwhile Beckfoot Oakbank School, Keighley, offered support for parents who wish to “enter into conversations about Andrew Tate”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:
Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The social media figure, who has reportedly lived in Romania since 2017, was recently detained on suspicion of organised crime and human trafficking.

Mr Tate has claimed there is “zero evidence” against him in the case and alleged it is instead a political attack to silence him.

Writing in mid-January, Ms Luffman said: “We have not seen the levels of misogyny reported in other schools at BBG. However, we have become increasingly aware of some of our students referencing Andrew Tate, either explicitly or through more subtle means.

“We find this development concerning. We are committed to creating a safe environment for all our students.

“We encourage our students to celebrate differences, and to express their opinions and beliefs in a way which ensures that everyone is treated with kindness and respect.

“All year groups will have an assembly which addresses this issue.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:
Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“In these assemblies, we will make it clear to students that misogyny will not be tolerated in any form, as well as reassuring students who may themselves be feeling concerned that school is a safe place.”

The headteacher added: “Students will be reminded that any form of derogatory language is banned in school and can result in anything from a verbal warning to suspension depending on severity. Importantly they will also be informed that anyone instigating conversations of a derogatory nature towards women, especially using Andrew Tate as an example, will be placed in isolation.”

Neil Moules, associate assistant headteacher and subject leader of Open Minds at Beckfoot Oakbank, said young pupils “may not recognise" the controversial nature of Mr Tate’s views.

He said: “Within school this week and last, the Executive Head and the Safeguarding lead have addressed the impact of Tate issues of misogyny in separate assembles."

He said the school recognised that, as teenagers who are developing their views of the world, students may be "more vulnerable to be influenced" by Mr Tate's views.

"We are grateful to be able to work in partnership with families to encourage their children in critical thinking around these issues,” added Mr  Moules.

The influencer lost his second appeal at the Bucharest Court of Appeal on Wednesday, against a judge’s decision to extend his arrest for 30 days on January 20.

He was arrested in January, alongside his brother, Tristan, and two Romanian women.

An online petition to free the brothers has garnered nearly 100,000 signatures so far.

Ramona Bolla, spokeswoman for Romania’s anti-organised crime agency, DIICOT, has confirmed the Tate brothers will remain in custody until February 27.

Meanwhile prosecutors are continuing to investigate the human trafficking case.

Ioan Gliga, a lawyer representing the Tate brothers, said the defence presented “solid arguments” that the extended detention period “is not necessary”.

“The probationary (period) originally considered the value of this preventative measure for 30 days and it was significantly diluted by other means of evidence administered in the meantime,” Mr Gliga said.