Deakin University’s Associate Professor Debbie Ollis, who developed the resources alongside Professor Helen Cahill and in consultation with teachers, students and parents, said the views and attitudes espoused by Tate and other vocal ‘manfluencers’ have been shown to be a ‘clear driver’ of gender-based violence. 

“[These attitudes] lead to behaviour that is denigrating, and sometimes also forms of sexual assault as well. It's really problematic,” Ollis told EducationHQ. 

Australian research has shown the powerful influence these figures are having on boys’ rhetoric and behaviour in schools, with female teachers across all sectors reporting they are now the target of blatant sexual harassment and frequent intimidation tactics in class and around campus – incidents they largely feel ill-supported to handle.

Ollis said the new resources had a strong focus on building students’ skills in how to safely navigate the online world, with issues like consent, sextortion, pornography and gender-based bullying unpacked. 

“We have to remember, it's not all young men (espousing these harmful views about women),” she cautioned.

“Some research by Michael Flood and his colleagues would say, out of a class of 25, there could be about five male students who have gone down this rabbit hole. 

“But of course, I am an ex-teacher, and even with five students who are highly vocal [it’s a huge problem]. 

“And from what that research indicates, they are really ramping up…”

Boys who have sucked up these harmful messages make the classroom and uncomfortable space not only for girls and teachers, but other boys too, Ollis added. 

“So, it's quite a challenge now for us to find a way to counteract the influence of an environment where there are no controls.”

Ollis said the resources include a range of activities and case studies that explore these issues “in the hopes that we can build media literacy, help-seeking behaviours and the ability to analyse the reality of claims made by those like Andrew Tate”.

The Victorian Government is inviting more non-government schools to join the more than 1,950 schools across all sectors that have signed up to the initiative.

The materials were also designed to inform young people's decisions in their intimate relationships, she added. 

Tim Richardson, Parliamentary Secretary for Men's Behaviour Change, said the resources would help to bring about behavioural change across the state and combat “toxic influences like Andrew Tate”. 

But Ollis cautioned that ushering in the cultural change that’s needed could take many years. 

“This is not going to be solved by a teaching and learning resource. It is one aspect of a much bigger picture, one being, in a school-based context, a whole-school approach to addressing these issues, but then it's a whole-of-community approach,” she warned. 

“So, that's the law, that's (at) the hairdressers, that's the sporting clubs, it's the parents and carers. 

“This is a long-term, collaborative, whole-of-community approach to addressing these issues.

“And I think we have to be realistic about the roles that schools can play.” 

The Government is inviting more non-government schools to join the more than 1,950 schools that have signed up to the initiative, with applications open until November 8. 

Interested schools can jump on board by lodging an expression of interest, with support including startup funding, implementation guidance and professional learning for teachers available. 

The announcement forms part of the Women’s Safety Package, which aims to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. 

Education Minister Ben Carroll said Victoria was “continuing to lead the nation” by delivering the Respectful Relationships program across the state. 

Ollis indicated the state’s ‘proactive approach’ ought to be applauded. 

“They are taking a whole-school approach, they are providing financial support to schools, they are providing supports through the RRE initiative so that schools have professional development…

“So, it's really important. It's going to take some time to counteract, just like smoking took 40 years.”