The head of New South Wales’ public education system has called on school principals to take a firm stance against misogynistic and discriminatory behavior within schools, amid growing concerns over a series of alleged sexual assaults involving teenage boys. Murat Dizdar, secretary of the NSW Education Department, addressed the issue in a letter sent last week to the leaders of 2,200 public schools across the state.
Dizdar emphasized that school leaders must respond to instances of misogyny and sexualized discrimination with a clear, visible, and consistent approach. He warned that unchecked sexist attitudes and behaviors—including inappropriate language, jokes, disrespect, and the objectification of women—can normalize and escalate into more serious violence.
The intervention follows an increased spotlight on the influence of online content and social media, where experts warn that widespread and growing consumption of pornography among adolescent boys is fueling harmful attitudes toward women. Additionally, networks promoting violent behavior reportedly pressure teens into acts of harm. Dizdar underscored the importance of addressing these ingrained behaviors early to prevent tragic consequences.
His comments come amid a national conversation about consent education and school safety following multiple police investigations into serious sexual offenses allegedly involving teenage boys in Sydney. In recent weeks, several headmasters from elite boys’ schools in the city have publicly challenged students to confront harmful attitudes surrounding sexual violence and to assume responsibility for the safety of young women.
Dizdar highlighted the role of communities in shaping social norms that influence attitudes toward violence, noting these norms are reinforced through media and online environments and are increasingly evident in classrooms. He urged educators to intervene promptly when witnessing hostile or discriminatory behavior and to create an environment where students feel safe and confident in reporting incidents, with assurances that all concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon without delay.
“This work must be approached with the same seriousness and resolve we bring to racial and religious discrimination,” Dizdar said, stressing that harmful behaviors should never be minimized, excused, or normalized, lest they become entrenched.
The call for action aligns with earlier messages from school leaders like Michael Blake, headmaster of St Joseph’s College in Hunters Hill, who made headlines for telling students that his goal was for young women to feel safer because of the presence of young men—not merely safe from them. Blake’s speech received national recognition, including praise from federal Education Minister Jason Clare, who has affirmed that teaching boys about respect and consent is not a political issue but a matter of basic decency and legal obligation.
Sydney Boys High principal Kim Jaggar also reiterated the department’s insistence on a zero-tolerance policy toward sexist behavior in a recent letter to parents, reflecting a broader commitment across schools to tackle misogyny seriously.
Cyber safety expert Susan McLean highlighted the challenges within schools, where female teachers and students often feel reluctant or fearful to report incidents. She stressed that harmful behaviors should never be tolerated and that both female staff and students deserve a safe environment free from intimidation or discrimination.
The Education Department’s message urges school leaders, teachers, and communities to work collectively to combat ingrained misogynistic attitudes and ensure safer, more respectful educational environments.