Why This Matters Now

Online toxic masculinity is spreading rapidly through social media, gaming platforms, and influencer content. Harmful ideas about gender are often disguised as lifestyle tips, memes, or jokes, making them harder to spot. Recent reports from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) highlight influencers like Andrew Tate, who have amassed billions of views on TikTok and Instagram, normalizing misogynistic narratives under the guise of “self-improvement.”

Gaming communities and streaming platforms also face scrutiny, with studies showing that sexist language, harassment, and misogynistic memes are still widespread—even algorithmically amplified—pushing young users into online echo chambers that valorize aggression and dominance.

With most boys encountering misogynistic content by age 14, these messages can shape their attitudes, damage mental health, and even lead to real-world harm ranging from bullying to gender-based violence.

Schools Stepping Up

In response, schools across the UK are launching new initiatives:

  • Updated RHSE Curriculum: From 2025, the government is updating Relationships, Health and Sex Education guidance to include anti-misogyny lessons. These curricula will teach children—even from primary level—to recognize harmful narratives online and build healthy relationships and digital literacy skills.

  • Anti-Misogyny Classes: Inspired by the Netflix drama Adolescence—which illustrates how a teenage boy is radicalized by online misogyny—schools are set to introduce focused classes tackling toxic masculinity. These lessons aim to foster empathy, emotional literacy, consent, and boundaries, adapted appropriately for different age groups.

  • Teacher Training & Support: A government-funded strategy is rolling out specialist training so teachers can spot early signs of misogyny and toxic ideas among boys. Secondary schools will also implement healthy relationship programmes, with pilot schemes launching in 2026 and full rollout scheduled by 2029.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasizes this is part of a wider £20–36 million investment in combating violence against women and girls, with schools at the forefront.

What Parents Can Do 

  1. Start Conversations Early
    Ask open-ended questions like:
    “What do you think about the videos you see online?” or
    “How do your friends talk about relationships?”
    This helps you gauge their views without sounding judgmental.

  2. Stay Informed About Trends
    Follow reputable sources on digital safety and check what’s trending on platforms like TikTok or YouTube. Knowing the influencers and memes they encounter makes your guidance relevant.

  3. Promote Critical Thinking
    Encourage your child to question content:
    “Why do you think he said that?” or
    “What message is this video trying to send?”
    Teach them to spot manipulation and stereotypes.

  4. Model Respectful Behavior
    Children learn from what they see. Show empathy and respect in your own interactions—online and offline.

  5. Use Tech Wisely
    Set up parental controls where appropriate, but pair them with trust and dialogue. Explain why certain content is harmful rather than just blocking it.

ONLINE TOXIC MASCULINITY: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW- A SIMPLE VERSION

What is it?

  • Misogyny: Hatred or prejudice against women.
  • The Manosphere: Online communities promoting sexist, anti-feminist views.
  • These groups often hide harmful ideas in jokes, memes, and lifestyle content.

Why it matters

  • 69% of boys aged 11–14 have seen misogynistic content online without searching for it.
  • Influencers like Andrew Tate and others mix harmful views with fitness or wealth advice to attract followers.

Common Terms

  • Incel: “Involuntary celibate” – men who feel rejected by women.
  • Red Pill: Belief that society favors women too much.
  • PUA: Pickup Artists who manipulate women.
  • Chad/Stacey: Stereotypes for attractive men/women.

Where Kids See This

  • TikTok, YouTube, Instagram
  • Podcasts
  • Reddit, 4Chan
  • Gaming streams (Twitch)

Impact on Children

  • Gives boys a false sense of belonging.
  • Promotes harmful ideas like:
    • Men are superior to women
    • Violence against women is acceptable
  • Can lead to poor mental health and radicalization.

What Can Parents Do?

✅ Show interest in their online life – ask, don’t judge.
✅ Encourage critical thinking – question influencers’ claims.
✅ Talk openly about respect and equality – ask how harmful views make others feel.
✅ Be a role model – show respect for women and healthy emotional expression.

Want to learn more?
Visit: thekeysupport.com/safeguarding
Read:

  • BBC: Parents should be aware of extremism
  • Bold Voices: Andrew Tate toolkit
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CONVERSATION STARTERS

 

Here are some conversation starters parents can use to open up discussions about online toxic masculinity in a non-judgmental way:

General Curiosity

  • “What kind of videos or influencers do you like watching online?”
  • “Have you ever come across content that made you think differently about men and women?”

Critical Thinking

  • “Why do you think some influencers get so popular? Do you think everything they say is true?”
  • “How do you decide whether to trust what someone says online?”

Empathy and Respect

  • “How do you think comments like ‘women belong to men’ would make your friends feel?”
  • “What does being respectful online look like to you?”

Values and Role Models

  • “Who do you think is a good role model for boys and girls? Why?”
  • “What qualities do you admire in people you follow online?”