Teachers in Halifax are expressing concern over increasing misogynistic comments from male students. Christine Emberley, a drama teacher with nearly two decades of experience, has encountered remarks such as, "Shut up and make me a sandwich," and, "I don't have to listen to you, go get the man in charge." She describes these comments as ranging from sarcastic jabs about women's roles to overtly sexual remarks. Emberley noted that some students even refuse to make eye contact or acknowledge her presence. "It's frightening," she stated, highlighting that these attitudes have become more prevalent in recent years, particularly among junior high and high school boys.

Luc Cousineau, a researcher at Dalhousie University and director of the Canadian Institute for Far-Right Studies, has also observed this troubling trend. In a recent study, he analyzed teachers' experiences shared on Reddit, focusing on discussions that mentioned Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer known for his misogynistic views. Tate has amassed millions of followers and promotes a lifestyle that many young men find appealing. He is currently facing multiple charges in Britain, including rape and human trafficking.

Cousineau's research indicates that misogynistic comments disrupt learning environments, making teachers feel unsafe. He noted that over 75 percent of teachers in Canada are female, which may exacerbate the issue. "Teachers expressed that this content and these things that students were saying in class were making them feel unsafe," he said. He explained that boys are often exposed to misogynistic content through social media algorithms, even if they do not actively seek it out. While some of the content from influencers may not be explicitly misogynistic, it can lead to exposure to harmful messages.

Lance McCready, an associate professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, emphasized the need for positive representations of masculinity. He noted that young men and boys are searching for relatable role models and want their voices to be heard. "We have to start having these conversations and discussing it in our curriculum, in our family," he said, advocating for more male involvement in these discussions.

When faced with misogynistic comments, Emberley addresses the behavior directly, explaining to students why their remarks are inappropriate. She believes that responding with curiosity and empathy is crucial, as shaming students may only reinforce their beliefs. "They need guidance. They need someone who's offering an attractive or a palatable alternative to what they're consuming online," she said. Depending on the severity of the comment, consequences can vary, and while some students may change their behavior after intervention, others may not.

Emberley acknowledged that a minority of boys hold these anti-women views, but the silence of their peers can create the impression that such attitudes are more widespread. She has heard from female students expressing feelings of helplessness and disgust regarding their classmates' behavior. Emberley believes that teachers and parents should engage boys in discussions about online content, but she also calls for a broader solution. She advocates for a framework to guide teachers in addressing misogyny, noting that current curriculum updates on gender-based violence in Nova Scotia schools are ongoing but lagging behind the issue's growth.

Cousineau pointed out that social conditions and media infrastructure facilitate the spread of misogynistic ideas among boys. He stressed the need for more research to address this global phenomenon effectively. Cornelia Schneider, an associate professor at Mount Saint Vincent University, noted that the rise of political movements has given a platform to previously underground misogynistic voices. She cautioned that responses to social media's influence may be limited due to its rapid evolution, stating, "We're only learning about the effects of social media in real time."