Male educators share their thoughts as Australia processes abuse shock

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is continuing to process the complex feelings arising from dual announcements earlier this month, outlining the alleged child exploitation offences conducted by two male ECEC professionals. 

While only three per cent of those working in the ECEC sector are male, the impact of these alleged crimes has been significant on the men of ECEC, with many experiencing abuse, the withdrawal of children from their care, and unfounded speculation about their intentions of working in the sector. 

Here at The Sector, we had the opportunity to connect with members of the Thriving as Male Educators group, to learn more about how these experiences are impacting the wellbeing of male ECEC staff. 

“The biggest pushback that things like this recent incident has had is in my own headspace,” one group member, a professional with 18 years of experience in the sector shared. 

“Especially when I’m doing child protection training or similar, I feel that – being the only male in the room – the focus is unconsciously drifting towards me. Which I know is not true, but it’s like when you are driving along doing everything right and then you notice a police car behind you. Just paranoia, even though it’s unwarranted.”

For another educator, who is newer to the sector with five years of experience, the allegations have called his usual practice and pedagogy into play. As a firm believer in “rough and tumble” play for children, this educator was engaging in his typical practice and was questioned by a parent. 

“During some regular rough-style play with multiple children, a parent who previously had never asked, questioned my play. Something that I had done, without issue, for all my years in the sector,” the male educator shared. 

“While my work colleagues fully trust me and my intentions, I am having to hold back from ‘rough play’ which the children I care for enjoy engaging in to avoid my actions being considered in ways not intended,” he said. 

For the group’s co-founder Ramesh Shrestha, the dual stigma of being a male and a person of colour have led to some challenges during his 10 years in the broader education sector (six in ECEC specifically). 

“Being a brown male educator, I did encounter lots of hurdles like many of my male colleagues,” he said. 

“I was eager to change the perspective of the families and societies. For the past six years, I have been an eager advocate on behalf of males in ECEC. I did a short documentary with ABC, and have been speaking at TAFE events and with media outlets to continuously promote male educators.”

Sadly, since the recent announcements, he feels “ the whole community now will be faced with renewed questions about the appropriateness of male educators in ECEC and the perceived risk associated with their presence. 

“It is disheartening to consider that this tragedy may lead to the departure of some dedicated male educators.

“I know lots of male educators, like me, who are passionate about ECEC and working really hard to change the dominant discourse,” he continued, encouraging parents, educators and others in the ECEC sector to support their male colleagues as the sector as a whole continues to process feelings around the recent allegations. 

If this article has raised concerns for you, help is available. 

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue has an online youth mental health service. It has online chat, forums and phone counselling. Phone 1300 224 636, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Blue Knot

This is a support service for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, parents, partners, family and friends. Phone 1300 657 380, 9 am-5 pm, 7 days a week.

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential phone counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. It also offers webchat and email counselling. Phone 1800 551 800, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a crisis support and suicide prevention service for people experiencing emotional distress. It offers counselling by phone, online chat and text message. Phone 131 114, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service

1800RESPECT is a counselling, information and referral service for anyone who has been affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Phone 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732, 24 hours, 7 days a week.