How to talk to students about Andrew Tate
Download the Huddle Discussion Questions to have real conversations about this trending news story and more!
In the past few weeks, Andrew Tate, a former professional kickboxer and reality TV star turned Social Media Influencer, has been receiving a lot of attention from the internet and removed from numerous social media sites for divisive comments he makes on his own social media channels.
And students are taking notice. This means educators around the world are having to address this topic and empower students to think for themselves and be wary when they come across Tate’s content.
Who is Andrew Tate?
Andrew Tate, 35, is an American-British internet personality who grew his online presence by starting Hustlers University, an online course that was supposed to help Tate’s followers learn to make money. However, after a campaign accusing Tate of creating content that is damaging to his young audience, Meta (which owns both Facebook and Instagram), Twitter, and TikTok have banned him from their platforms. Tate has since closed Hustlers University,
Why was Andrew Tate removed from social media?
Tate continues to go viral for extreme and controversial statements. TikTok videos tagged with #AndrewTate have been viewed over 12 billion times. And before he was removed, he had 4.7 million followers on Instagram. Due to this prominence, students are easily exposed to his controversial ideologies. And social media platforms are taking a stand by banning him from their platforms. Meta and TikTok referenced Tate’s content as violating company policies on dangerous organizations and individuals and community guidelines on hate speech.
TSI’s Take: How should educators address this sensitive topic?
Students are taking notice of Tate’s content because of its viral aspect. So, educators are asking themselves, “How do we address this topic?”
Perhaps the most ineffective way of addressing the topic is not addressing it at all and ignoring students when they bring him up. Instead, educators can encourage conversation that guides, educates, and informs students in an age-appropriate way.
Educators can do this by equipping students with the skills to make high-character decisions. Through a positive and proactive approach, educators can help students understand the power of social media influencers and the pressures of social media.
A few questions you can ask your students to consider when they mention Andrew Tate:
- Does what you see and hear on social media align with your core values?
- Are the ideas you see and hear on social media something you would be proud to share with your followers?
- Is there anyone who follows you that might be hurt if you were to share or comment on a social media post?
How TSI can help empower your students to make positive decisions
Often, educators are left to deal with controversial topics with minimal or no training. But, when topics like this impact students, teachers need to be comfortable talking with students, teaching them, and being a positive influence on them.
Here at The Social Institute, we encourage students to find positive influencers that set good examples and unfollow or block people who create rude or inappropriate content. We also believe in helping students play to their core, which means reflecting their values, character, and interests in their actions online.
If you want to learn more about how The Social Institute can help you address positive and negative trends impacting students throughout the school year, contact us today for a personalized demo.
Download the Huddle Discussion Questions to have real conversations about this trending news story and more!
Stay up-to-date with trends online by subscribing to our newsletter where we address trends and provide discussion questions teachers can use to talk about these topics with their students! In the meantime, check out our Instagram and TikTok @thesocialinst for tips, trends, and highlights when it comes to social media.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.