Headmasters at two leading Sydney all-boys schools have initiated comprehensive efforts to address and prevent disrespectful behaviour towards women amid growing concerns over sexual violence involving teenage boys. Knox Grammar School and St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, whose students have not been implicated in recent incidents, are implementing proactive programs aimed at fostering respect and accountability among their pupils.
On August 27, St Joseph’s College headmaster Michael Blake delivered a widely shared assembly speech urging students to contribute to creating safer environments for women. In his address, Blake acknowledged the distress caused by reports of alleged sexual assaults at other elite Sydney boys’ schools, including Scots College and St Gregory’s College. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by many young women, emphasizing the importance of respect, consent, and the need for courage among young men to confront inappropriate behaviour.
Blake called on students to recognise that being a responsible and respectful young man may sometimes require difficult choices, such as sacrificing popularity or challenging peers. He stressed that the distinction between positive and harmful behaviour is often established before criminal actions occur, pointing to the role of silence or humour in perpetuating disrespect.
At Knox Grammar, headmaster Scott James outlined a multifaceted approach designed to counter “insidious influences” from online spaces promoting misogyny and harmful attitudes. Noting that isolated lessons could not fully address the issue, Knox has adopted the RISE respectful relationships program, involving a dedicated team of 18 teachers, coaches, and staff working to align school culture with these values. The school emphasizes early intervention through conversations rather than judgment or shaming, encouraging staff to engage openly with students exhibiting concerning behaviour.
Complementing in-school initiatives, Knox is actively involving parents by providing them with current research and resources to support respectful relationship education at home. The school plans to host a seminar in October focusing on misogyny, the so-called “manosphere,” and the influence of social media algorithms. Experts from Monash University, including Dr Stephanie Wescott and Dr Naomi Pfitzner, will contribute to the event, sharing insights from their research on online misogynistic cultures and violence prevention.
Additionally, Knox has increased co-educational opportunities beyond social functions, such as establishing a gender-neutral cadet unit in partnership with Ravenswood School for Girls, aiming to foster mutual respect across genders.
These measures come three years after Knox addressed a significant incident where students were found participating in racist, misogynistic, and homophobic online discussions. James reaffirmed the school’s zero-tolerance policy toward behaviour violating its values and highlighted the importance of collaboration with families and external experts to navigate the complex and pervasive influences shaping youth attitudes. He described the current moment as critical in confronting entrenched harmful behaviours and promoting cultural change within the school community.