Call for More Male Teachers in UK Classrooms to Address Boys' Behavior and Influences
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizes the importance of male role models in education amid rising concerns about boys' behavior and online influences.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to advocate for an increased presence of male teachers in UK classrooms, highlighting boys' behavior as a crucial issue facing society today.
In a speech scheduled for Thursday in London, Phillipson will address the inaugural Festival Of Childhood, organized by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, where she will underline the need for positive male role models to guide and lead boys.
Phillipson's call follows recent discussions about the adverse effects of toxic online influences, which she describes as increasingly prevalent.
Phillipson will reference the sentiments expressed recently by former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who discussed the challenges young men face in seeking direction and finding role models that prioritize their well-being.
In her remarks, Phillipson will stress that "the behaviour of boys, their influences, and the young men they become, is a defining issue of our time." She posits that boys require strong, positive male figures not only at home but also within the educational environment.
The Education Secretary will share statistics indicating that as of the present, only 25% of teachers in UK schools are men, dropping to merely 14% in nursery and primary education, and a striking 3% in early years settings.
Since 2010, the overall number of teachers has increased by 28,000, yet only 533 of those positions have been filled by men.
Phillipson articulates a clear vision for the future: "I want more male teachers – teaching, guiding, leading the boys in their classrooms."
Dame Rachel de Souza, in her address, is expected to highlight broader concerns regarding childhood well-being in the face of technological advancement and growing dependency on online resources.
She will express apprehension over a potential crisis in childhood, urging adults to engage and listen to children to better support their needs.
A recent survey conducted by the commissioner’s office covering nearly 19,000 schools and colleges in England revealed that over half (55%) of respondents are worried about online safety, while 71% cited significant concerns regarding access to children and adolescent mental health services.
Additionally, 46% of schools expressed anxiety about the impacts of poverty on their students.
In her upcoming speech, Dame Rachel will outline her focus areas for the next year, which include improving access to children’s mental health services, building trust between children and law enforcement, addressing the dangers posed by deepfake technology, and reassessing mobile phone policies implemented in schools.
In a speech scheduled for Thursday in London, Phillipson will address the inaugural Festival Of Childhood, organized by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza, where she will underline the need for positive male role models to guide and lead boys.
Phillipson's call follows recent discussions about the adverse effects of toxic online influences, which she describes as increasingly prevalent.
Phillipson will reference the sentiments expressed recently by former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who discussed the challenges young men face in seeking direction and finding role models that prioritize their well-being.
In her remarks, Phillipson will stress that "the behaviour of boys, their influences, and the young men they become, is a defining issue of our time." She posits that boys require strong, positive male figures not only at home but also within the educational environment.
The Education Secretary will share statistics indicating that as of the present, only 25% of teachers in UK schools are men, dropping to merely 14% in nursery and primary education, and a striking 3% in early years settings.
Since 2010, the overall number of teachers has increased by 28,000, yet only 533 of those positions have been filled by men.
Phillipson articulates a clear vision for the future: "I want more male teachers – teaching, guiding, leading the boys in their classrooms."
Dame Rachel de Souza, in her address, is expected to highlight broader concerns regarding childhood well-being in the face of technological advancement and growing dependency on online resources.
She will express apprehension over a potential crisis in childhood, urging adults to engage and listen to children to better support their needs.
A recent survey conducted by the commissioner’s office covering nearly 19,000 schools and colleges in England revealed that over half (55%) of respondents are worried about online safety, while 71% cited significant concerns regarding access to children and adolescent mental health services.
Additionally, 46% of schools expressed anxiety about the impacts of poverty on their students.
In her upcoming speech, Dame Rachel will outline her focus areas for the next year, which include improving access to children’s mental health services, building trust between children and law enforcement, addressing the dangers posed by deepfake technology, and reassessing mobile phone policies implemented in schools.
