Latest news with #KieranChristie
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
ASTI: 'Exponential growth' in misogynistic comments from students
The General Secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has warned that female teachers are facing misogynistic comments and harassment from students in schools to an extent that is becoming increasingly "unmanageable." In an interview ahead of a special Prime Time programme tonight, Kieran Christie said "there is quite a growth in the extent to which online content is having a negative influence on young males' perception of women and of girls. And it's very pervasive, unfortunately, in the end, very regrettable." "Certainly in the last five years, it has grown exponentially as a problem," he said, "and it's becoming more and more unmanageable in schools." He said ASTI members have raised concerns involving gestures, use of online accounts by students to harass teachers, and "in the more extreme cases, it involves things like videos and sexual comments and all the rest of it." Mr Christie's comments were echoed by the Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies (NAPD) Paul Crone. He told Prime Time that "there are huge issues in relation to the online content that students, and particularly young males, are experiencing and the consequent attitude that they have towards girls and even female teachers. "The worrying part for us of all of that is that these behaviors are seen as normal by a cohort of young males. They don't see anything wrong with it because it's what they're experiencing online. It's what they're being told." In recent weeks the ASTI and NAPD circulated to their members a Prime Time survey on perceptions about the impact of related social media content in schools. Results from that survey show more than 85% of respondents said they believe online content about gender roles and masculinity is negatively influencing teenagers' perceptions of women and girls. The anonymous survey was sent to members at the request of Prime Time by the four main teaching unions, the aforementioned ASTI and NAPD, as well as the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) and Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO). 1,200 responses were received in the week after it was published, in which more than 1,100 respondents described themselves as either secondary school teachers or principals. The others said they worked in primary schools. Through the survey and interviews with teachers, union officials, and experts, Prime Time sought to ascertain whether there has been a real-world impact on the views of young people from the emergence of social media trends and influencers who promote negative forms of masculinity. Despite many positive forms of masculinity, certain online influencers who have come to prominence in recent years argue that men's role within modern society has been unfairly suppressed, and that women should be submissive and men dominant in both personal relationships and wider society. Respondents were provided with a short description of the views held by such influencers and asked a series of multiple-choice questions about whether they believe such views are shaping young people's perceptions of gender roles, masculinity, or misogyny. Respondents had the option to agree or disagree, or say anything from 'not concerned' to 'very concerned' on all questions. As with all online anonymous surveys, there are limitations in how the results can be interpreted, and they should be considered more indicative than definitive. Asked 'how concerned are you about the influence of individuals and content covered by this survey upon students or pupils?- 56% said 'very concerned' and a further 31% said 'somewhat concerned'. Some 5% said 'not very concerned', while 2% responded 'not concerned at all'. The survey also attempted to understand if respondents perceived that views about gender roles and masculinity held by such influencers were becoming more prevalent. When asked 'Over the last five years, have you begun to see or hear more concerning discussions or comments linked to the topics covered in this survey within your school environment?' some 78% of respondents said 'yes, much more', or 'yes, somewhat more'. Almost half – 48% - of respondents said they frequently or occasionally witness comments or behaviour directed specifically towards young women or female students which they perceive to be linked to such online content. A further 21% said 'yes but rarely'. Many respondents - some 47% - said they have personally been subjected to concerning behaviour or related comments from students in the classroom or the school environment. The most common behaviours identified by respondents in the survey were disrespectful language, gender stereotyping, and bullying and harassment. When asked about the prevalence of the views in the school environment, a third (34%) said the issue was limited to a small number of students, 31% said it spanned several year groups, and nearly one in five (19%) said it affected the entire school. The results of the survey echo similar conclusions in academic and other research conducted in the Ireland, the UK, and elsewhere. A survey published last month by UK teaching union NASUWT found that female teachers were more likely to regularly receive verbal abuse than their male counterparts. The union noted that dozens of teachers had referenced the influencer Andrew Tate as directly influencing male pupils' behaviour. A 2024 study by University College London (UCL) and Kent University also found through interviews with young people and school leaders that "misogynist ideologies" that young people are exposed to online have become embedded in youth culture, "creating new challenges for schools". Researchers at Dublin City University (DCU) last year also focused on the role of social media companies in pushing related content to male teenagers, and noted through the use of test accounts that algorithms consistently recommended what the study defined as "male supremacist influencers" to young men on TikTok and YouTube. In the Prime Time survey, respondents were provided with space to add comments if they wished. Several respondents highlighted the role of algorithms and the time spent on devices by students as concerns, saying these were key drivers of the issue and that social media companies and regulators should act on them. "Students have said how hard it is to navigate or get away from this messaging," one respondent said, "even if they report it, it comes back in their algorithm." "As access to pornographic material is so easy for young males, it is having a major influence in how they perceive women and how they speak about women and treat them," wrote another respondent, "social media are exposing young men to vile pornographic/violent/misogynistic content on a daily basis." "Male misogyny amongst students isn't new. It has been brewing for years. But is now more mainstream due to the Tates... etc," said another. "They believe everything they see online… boys increasingly view women as objects or individuals who should 'obey' them," another added. Others provided examples of incidents in which male students made concerning remarks to other female students. One said a male student asked a female student if she would "carry a knife to protect herself on 'World Rape Day'", referencing a TikTok hoax claiming that rape would be legal for a day on 24 April. "I often hear male students making sexualised comments to female students," another said "we had to remove a female student from the school after targeted harassment by boys." Kieran Christie of the ASTI says social media companies, government and regulators should work to address the problem. "It is the experience of our members that the vast majority of young people are great people," he said, "and we can be very thankful that we have a whole new generation coming forward of wonderful young people. "They're growing up in an online world and they need to be protected to some extent, but guided also in relation to navigating that whole world. "Certainly government have a major role to play, in particular working with the various social media companies in bringing forward measures that safeguard young people. "We are aware that the bulk of the major social media companies are here in Ireland. So we have a natural platform there to work with these companies, to ask them to regulate, and perhaps enforce their regulation, in relation to what they provide - and allow to be accessible - to young people," Mr Christie told Prime Time. Paul Crone of the NAPD said it "takes a whole system response to be able to tackle this" but that "the focus does need to be on regulation." He added that the "new SPHE curriculum, which some people have objected to, is a really important part of the school's response to this." The Teachers' Union of Ireland also echoed calls for stronger social media regulation saying there is now an "urgent need for significantly stronger legislation and proper Government regulation in the area of social media." "The Department of Education must also ensure that the required policies and safeguards are in place in school communities to protect students and teachers from such attitudes and behaviours."
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Teachers warned that pay hikes will be clawed back if Leaving Cert reform is blocked
A Department of Education letter to secondary teacher unions reminded them that payment of increases due under current and future wage deals depend on them backing reforms. It said it reserved the right to seek a pause or clawback of pay rises in the event of industrial action or 'non-compliance' with a Senior Cycle Redevelopment plan. The letter said payment of pay rises worth 1pc under this deal and 2pc under the next, under a special local bargaining clause, are subject to compliance with the deal. It also says 'outstanding payments' due under the pay deal, which are separate to the local bargaining pay rises, are subject to their compliance. These outstanding payments include three pay rises worth 3pc that are due to all 400,000 public servants under the deal. They include a 1pc pay rise on August 1, a 1pc pay rise on February 1 next year and another 1pc in June 2026. The TUI has recommended that its members accept the reform package but the ASTI is not issuing a recommendation to its members on how they should vote. Students will be awarded a minimum of 40pc of their marks for project or practical work under the reforms that are designed to ease exam pressure on students. 'It should be clearly understood that the benefits of this agreement are dependent on parties to it approving the agreement and complying with it,' said the letter sent on May 8. 'The payment of the 1pc and 2pc element of local bargaining are subject to this agreement being complied with for the duration of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme. 'The department reserves the right to seek a pause or clawback of these increases in the event of industrial action or other non-compliance in the future in respect of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, through the appropriate Public Service Agreement structures. 'The outstanding payments due under the Public Service Agreement 2024 to 2026 are subject to compliance with the PSA, including commitments relating to supporting, and co-operating with, Senior Cycle Redevelopment.' However, the department said if cooperation ceases at any stage, it t will refer the dispute to dispute resolution mechanisms that are part of the deal. The letter from Dalton Tatton, assistant secretary general, said the department considers a document it sent the ASTI and TUI as 'a full and final offer' in relation to support measures for this phase of Leaving Cert redevelopment. Among measures to support the rollout of the reforms, the letter referred to revised arrangements for teachers securing permanent contracts and a 'reconfiguration' of extra hours being worked. The development of a 'right to disconnect' policy is also mentioned, along with working groups to monitor a programme that relates to AI. Kieran Christie, general secretary of the ASTI, said the union's ballot will end in June. 'We're balloting our members and bringing the full facts to their attention without a recommendation,' he said. 'We are mindful and our members are mindful of their obligations under the agreement.' He said the union sees the letter in the 'context of normal engagement in bargaining and industrial relations'. He said the ASTI has been aware of the potential penalties since its members accepted the public sector pay deal and the letter is a 'further elaboration on that'. It is understood that there is a feeling among a portion of members of the unions that the reforms were rushed and will involve an excessive workload. Sources said there are also concerns around the use of AI and authenticating projects.
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Alarm over 64pc surge in teachers on sick leave as a result of assaults in schools
The stark revelation came as Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) members overwhelmingly voted to conduct a detailed national survey to clarify the full extent of physical aggression in Irish schools - and the need for enhanced sick/assault leave, financial support programmes and counselling for teachers and special needs assistants impacted. ASTI general secretary Kieran Christie warned that it was no longer acceptable for a teacher to have to display actual bruises to qualify for assault leave. Teachers also called for a relaxing of the requirement to describe physical aggression as assault - with many teachers reluctant to describe incidents where youngsters unintentionally cause physical harm as 'assaults.' ASTI members also backed a review of sick leave arrangements as one teacher, Julianne Butler of Limerick North ASTI, revealed she had to deliberately delay her family and time her pregnancies because of a medical condition and the limitations of her allowable sick leave. Ms Butler suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum which causes acute nausea. Sick leave entitlements are calculated on a rolling four year basis. Despite having a serious pregnancy-related illness, she faced being put on half-pay. Under the ordinary illness entitlement, a teacher is allowed 183 days of paid sick leave in a four year period including both full and half pay. Other teachers highlighted how verbal assaults can cause severe trauma. Geraldine O'Brien of Clare ASTI revealed one young female educator suffered a breakdown following a verbal assault and being required to engage with a parent by her principal. ADVERTISEMENT She warned what the young woman suffered was "horrendous" and left her inconsolable. "She suffered a physical and mental breakdown as a result of this situation. One year later, she is somewhat recovered." The union warned that those who suffer psychological trauma in the workplace need to be supported in the same manner as those who endure physical assaults and aggression. One health and welfare study found that, over recent years, the number of teachers taking sick leave after physical assaults in Ireland had soared by 64pc. It found the number of teachers taking sick leave after physical assaults had soared from 260 to 404. The vast majority of incidents occurred in primary schools and involved 106 primary school teachers and 285 special needs assistants. Ray Nolan of ASTI Drogheda branch said the survey on the true extent of physical assaults in school settings should be a matter of utmost priority. He cited one person, Sophie Cole from Cork, who had to be hospitalised after a school assault. Sophie - from Carrigaline - had her arm slammed down onto a steel-reinforced cable in 2022 and suffered permanent nerve damage. She suffers from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) which has been described as the world's most painful condition. Sophie now campaigns to raise awareness of teachers and special needs assistants who suffer assaults and physical aggression in the workplace. The Cork educator warned that children are not to blame - but rather the entire system. "I have taken a lot of kicks, headbutts and even been thrown across the room - but I always loved my job and loved helping the children," she said in a 2022 interview. Mr Nolan warned that such stories are "heart-breaking" with major concern over the lack of support provided for such teachers. The education sector now suffers from the second highest rate of workplace assaults and physical aggression in Ireland. "There has been a significant number of teachers and SNAs having to take leave after these assaults," he added. Natalie Doyle-Brady of Dublin ASTI said it was critical that preventative steps be taken to protect teachers from such acts of physical aggression. "There are not enough supports in place," she warned. Barry Hazel of ASTI Dublin queried whether any legal cases had been taken as a result of such incidents. "It is only when money comes into play that things change. Have there been cases against schools?" Mr Christie said the issue of workplace safety was of enormous importance to everyone involved in the education sector. "One issue that the ASTI has been active and vocal on for many years is the safety, health and welfare of teachers and wider school communities alike," he said. "Thankfully, while schools are generally great places to work, from time-to-time difficult situations can and do arise." "It is infrequent but unfortunately, on rare occasions, teachers get assaulted in their school. As I say, it is a very small number of instances and a sad fact of life." "The ASTI has been demanding that the Department of Education broaden the definition of assault in its circular letter for quite some time now." "It is no longer acceptable that assault is so narrowly defined that you nearly have to have to show the bruises to qualify for assault leave." "The concept of psychosocial injury hasn't yet arrived in the consciousness of the Department of Education. The psychological effects of an assault in the course of the teacher's duties and during approved school activities can be devastating. This must change."
Irish Examiner
23-04-2025
- Irish Examiner
ASTI to partner with social media platform TikTok to combat cyberbullying of teachers
A teachers' union has set up an escalation process with a social media company to report the cyberbullying of teachers. Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) general secretary Kieran Christie announced the new process at the teachers' conference in Killarney as he spoke about the danger of cyberbullying. Mr Christie told delegates a sub-committee was working on combating the cyberbullying of teachers, including engagement with the social media short-form video site TikTok. He said a "community partner channel" had been established with the social media site, allowing the ASTI to escalate any issues. "The ASTI is now able to highlight/report content that could be considered harmful or in violation of TikTok's community guidelines via TikTok's community partner channel. "This community partner channel gives the ASTI access to an escalation process in the event that the normal TikTok reporting channel has not resolved an issue for an ASTI member, and once ASTI head office deems that the issue is of a threshold that requires urgent and immediate attention. "Once a report is submitted by ASTI head office, TikTok will process the report. This is just one aspect of the modern world that teachers live in and I can assure you that anything ASTI can do to support members in such circumstances will always be done. Mr Christie said the union was also engaging with various bodies, including Coimisiún na Meán and the gardaí, in relation to cyberbullying. "An initial poster and associated guidance on prevention will be in schools for September, while work continues on the production of detailed information on what members should do in the event of being targeted online." At last year's ASTI convention in Wexford, a motion was carried unanimously by 500 delegates to tackle cyberbullying. According to a RedC survey, almost a fifth of Irish secondary-level teachers have experienced cyberbullying, with the majority of that behaviour coming from their own students. Read More ASTI calls for protective measures as teachers' concerns around AI grow
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Teachers alarmed by potential AI threat to new senior cycle as minister vows to press ahead
Warning of increased stress for students as 40pc of assessments made up of project work Artificial intelligence (AI) poses a direct threat to the standard of Irish second level education and may also heighten inequality if new senior cycle changes are rushed through. The warning came as Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) general secretary Kieran Christie said the union and its members were greatly concerned given the potentially enormous impact posed by the changes for the reputation of Irish education.
