Goals
Brief description of the issue
In recent years, Quebec has seen significant social polarisation in secondary schools (Miconi, 2023), a resurgence of misogynistic and masculinist discourse, particularly online (Clermont-Dion, 2025; Radio-Canada, 2023), and a rise in young people’s intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals (GRIS-Montréal, 2025). This makes teaching sensitive subjects more difficult for staff, as students’ reactions can be intense.
The Research and Action on Social Polarisation (RAPS) team has developed an educational guide to equip teaching staff who need or wish to address sensitive topics with pupils without creating further polarisation or causing pupils to shut down completely for fear that their stance will be judged negatively by adults or their peers. The guide also addresses the reactions that certain topics may elicit from school staff members.
Document
References
Clermont-Dion, Léa (2025). « Cyberviolences et discours masculinistes : enjeux, analyses et état des faits », 92e congrès de l’ACFAS, 6 mai 2025.
Hirsch, S., Audet, G., Gosselin-Gagné, J. et Turcotte, M. (2023). Aborder des thèmes sensibles avec les élèves. Centre d’intervention pédagogique en contexte de diversité. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64e3988ec53a7021c13b6444/t/65d774c70b8b9925aac860b5/1708618952302/Aborder+des+th%C3%A8mes+sensibles+avec+les+%C3%A9l%C3%A8ves.pdf
Miconi, Diana (2023). Social Polarization in Secondary Schools: How to promote well-being and reduce violence among adolescents?, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/64e3988ec53a7021c13b6444/t/672a417c5770fe2d0d8f9d4f/1730822525328/Miconi_Rapportrecherche_annee1+%28post%C3%A9+05.11.2024%29+-+ANGLAIS.pdf
Radio-Canada (2023). « La masculinité toxique de plus en plus présente à l’école », Rattrapage du mardi 28 novembre 2023, https://ici.radio-canada.ca/ohdio/premiere/emissions/en-direct/segments/chronique/463891/masculinisme-andrew-tate-ecole
Richard, Gabrielle, Alexis Graindorge, Amélie Charbonneau, Olivier Vallerand et Marie Houzeau (2025). Augmentation des niveaux de malaise. Ce que les élèves du secondaire pensent de la diversité sexuelle, 2017-2024. Montréal, GRIS-Montréal. https://www.gris.ca/app/uploads/2025/01/GRIS_rapport-final_30jan2025.pdf