A Stoke-on-Trent domestic abuse charity has seen an increase in relationship education enquiries from schools following the rise of social media influencer Andrew Tate.

Glow is on a mission to address, overcome and end relationship abuse. They work with schools and colleges to provide relationship education that teaches young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

In the first week of January 2023, 40% of all enquiries from teachers to the charity's education and prevention team named Andrew Tate as the reason for needing relationship education in their school.

The former kickboxing world champion recently rose to fame and gained millions of social media followers because of his sexist comments.

Homophobic remarks, racial slurs and misogynistic comments around the #MeToo movement even saw him barred from Twitter. He has since been reinstated.

Glow is part of Honeycomb Group, London Road, Stoke (Glow).

Now UK schools are concerned about the impact that his comments are having on their pupils, in particular teenage boys who are showing signs of echoing Tate's views.

Education and Prevention Team Leader Sarah Buckley works within Glow's services for children and young people. She has shared her thoughts on Tate and what schools can do to protect pupils and guide them in the right direction.

"In January we saw a significant increase in enquiries for our relationship education programmes," said Sarah.

"Schools really need our support, guidance and advice in addressing issues that are arising in schools, and at home, because of Andrew Tate and his comments.

"He is directly influencing young and impressionable teenage boys, with many already starting to replicate his sexist statements and views. This is impacting not only how they see the world, but also how they perceive women and their relationships with them."

Glow's Education and Prevention Team Leader, Sarah Buckley (Glow).

Sarah continued, "If we don't teach teenagers about healthy relationships, including sex and consent, then they will learn it from other sources, like Andrew Tate.

"That's why we can't be scared of talking about him. He's in the public eye and all over social media – his glamorised lifestyle is something that young people are almost aspiring to."

"Having healthy debates and conversations in schools is really key," added Sarah. "It's so important to give students the opportunity to discuss things with their peers and staff.

"We need to give young people strong role models and call out any behaviour that we notice, as well as empowering young women to do the same."

Find out more about Glow's education and prevention service by visiting their website.

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