Teachers Push Back Against Nationals’ ‘Anti-Boy’ Claims About Australian Schools

A political dispute over how Australian schools teach gender, consent and respectful relationships has intensified after Nationals leader Matt Canavan accused the education system of promoting an “anti-boy” ideology. Canavan criticised the Respectful Relationships curriculum, arguing that its approach could alienate young boys and potentially push them towards harmful online communities associated with the so-called “manosphere”. He suggested that schools should focus more on providing positive male role models and called for an increase in the number of male teachers. EDUCATION & RESPECT |

A political dispute over how Australian schools teach gender, consent and respectful relationships has intensified after Nationals leader Matt Canavan accused the education system of promoting an “anti-boy” ideology. Canavan criticised the

Respectful Relationships

curriculum, arguing that its approach could alienate young boys and potentially push them towards harmful online communities associated with the so-called “manosphere”. He suggested that schools should focus more on providing positive male role models and called for an increase in the number of male teachers.

EDUCATION & RESPECT | Australian Education Minister Jason Clare says teaching boys to respect girls is not about ideology  it is simply “common decency.”
His comments come amid a growing debate over gender, relationships and the role of schools in shaping young people’s attitudes.

However, the Australian Education Union strongly rejected the claims, describing them as a fundamentally incorrect portrayal of Australia’s education system. The union accused politicians of misrepresenting teachers and said such comments could contribute to growing aggression and disrespect towards educators. The national

Respectful Relationships

framework is designed to teach students about respectful relationships, gender equality and consent. Despite Canavan’s claims, the framework does not specifically mention “male privilege”. It encourages students to examine how identity, power and inequality can influence relationships, while also helping boys and young men explore masculinity in healthy ways. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also entered the debate, claiming that some teachers pursue political agendas in classrooms. While acknowledging that consent education is important, Taylor called for greater balance in the curriculum. The controversy comes amid growing concerns about misogyny and gender-based violence in Australian schools. A recent survey of 2,600 teachers found that

78 per cent had witnessed or experienced sexism or misogyny at school

, highlighting the challenges educators face. Education Minister Jason Clare defended teachers and argued that teaching boys to respect girls is not political ideology but basic common decency. The debate is also linked to concerns over social-media algorithms exposing young people to harmful online content, with calls for Australians to have greater control over what algorithms recommend to them.

TEACHERS UNDER PRESSURE | One in three Australian teachers say concerns over gender-based violence are making them consider leaving the profession, highlighting growing challenges around safety, respect and wellbeing in schools.