A study by Dalhousie University, in Nova Scotia, reveals that supremacist ideas strengthen sexism among students. Teachers report misogynist remarks harming the classroom atmosphere and compromising security in schools.
The teacher and research director at the Canadian Institute of Studies on the Far Right, Luc Cousineau, analyzed more than 2,500 publications collected between June 2022 and February 2023 on a community Reddit bringing together more than 2 million teachers.
Boys from the age of 11 or 12 tell their teachers that they do not listen to them or respect them, and some of their words are both derogatory and sometimes sexual connotation.
When the creator of masculinist content, Andrew Tategained notoriety in 2022, he quickly became a controversial figure on social networks. He was strongly criticized for his words, considered misogynist and carrying a male supremacist ideology.
His popularity, especially with young men, has raised concerns about the impact of his discourse on his admirers and the way these ideas translate into their behavior.
The influence of social networks on young people
According to the main author of the study, Luc Cousineau, it is mainly online that young people are exposed to supremacist and misogynist content.
I am certainly concerned about the situation. Although misogyny is an ancient ideology that has never disappeared, seeing it spread in the media and infiltrate even in classrooms shows that it is especially online that young boys absorb it
he explains.
To date, British influencer Andrew Tate, criticized for his ideas deemed misogynist, is banished from YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook. (Archives photo)
Photo: Reuters / Say Photos / Octav Ganea
According to the researcher, parents should be greatly concerned about the content that their children consume online. Many are still unaware of the extent and nature of the messages conveyed on these platforms.
Designed to quickly capture attention, these digital spaces expose young boys to male misogynist and supremacist speeches, even if they do not actively look for them. In other words, this exhibition is often involuntary, but constant.
However, the Canadian legislative framework remains low to supervise this type of content, according to Luc Cousineau.
Luc Cousineau insists on the complexity of the problem. Effective strategies in a class do not necessarily work in another, he says. Some teachers manage to strengthen the esteem and the voice of girls, but this type of approach is not enough to stop the dynamics.
He underlines the importance of implementing structuring measures in schools to guarantee security and respect for all, while recalling that the directions must actively support their teachers.
According to the expert in the extreme right ideologies, this phenomenon cannot be reduced to simple adolescent behaviors: this is a serious issue.
The gaze of young people on toxic masculinity
To better understand the perspective of young people, Radio-Canada went to meet them at the Root Plate Park Commons Halifax. Some young men have agreed to share their personal experience in the face of masculinism lived in schools.
Rhys Langdon, a young high school graduate and skate lover.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Stephanie Blanchet
When I was in secondary school, it was unfortunately quite common. Some teachers were sometimes unjustly treated
says Rhys Langdona young skate follower.
It puts teachers in a state of mind that does not allow them to teach effectively.
For Mahki Magloir, 20, it is essential not to let this type of online influence shape our vision of the world. Respect for women, he said, should go without saying.
Mahki Magloir, a 20 -year -old young man resident of Halifax, explains his experience in the face of masculinist and sexist comments heard around him.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Stephanie Blanchet
I do not interact with this type of content online, because I think it is by giving them attention and reactions that we feed their influence
said the young man.
According to him, the best way to fight this problem is to denounce sexist behaviors as soon as they arise.
When this kind of situation occurs, you have to know how to react and denounce it immediately. I often have the impression that people prefer to look away to avoid confrontation. Too few people speak at the time to clearly say that this behavior must cease
he underlines.
A masculinist figure in the viewfinder of justice
Andrew TateBritish-American influencer known for his masculinist positions, as well as his brother Tristanwere charged in January 2024 in the United Kingdom for rape, deals with people and assault.
Andrew Tate38 years old, faces ten counts, including that of pimping, in connection with three alleged victims. The case is still before the courts: a civil trial will begin in June 2026, British justice announced.
