TOXIC social media influencers such as Andrew Tate are fuelling an increase in misogyny and sexism in schools, teachers have warned.

Nearly three in five teachers said they believe social media use has contributed to a deterioration in pupils’ behaviour in schools, according to a poll by the NASUWT teaching union.

The survey, released during the NASUWT’s annual conference in Liverpool over the Easter weekend, suggests that teachers think social media is the number one cause of negative pupil behaviour.

Delegates at the conference will debate a motion which suggests far-right and populist movements have shifted their recruitment on to social media, messaging and online gaming platforms.

A number of teachers responding to NASUWT’s survey on behaviour referenced Tate’s negative influence on male pupils.

One teacher said: “I have had boys refuse to speak to me and speak to a male teaching assistant instead because I am a woman.”

“They follow Andrew Tate and think he is amazing with all his cars and women and [think this is] how women should be treated. These were 10-year-olds.”

Television drama Adolescence, which examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, has prompted a national conversation about online safety.

“There is an urgent need for concerted action involving schools, colleges and other agencies to safeguard all children and young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists,” said NASUWT general secretary Patrick Roach. “[We must] ensure that our schools and colleges are safe places for learners and for staff.

“Teachers cannot be left alone to deal with these problems.”

The Department for Education said: “We know the rise of dangerous influencers is having a damaging impact on our children, which is why we are supporting the sector in their crucial role building young people’s resilience to extremism as part of our Plan for Change.”