Understanding and Addressing Misogyny with Young People
The portrayal of the experiences of young people in TV shows like Netflix’s Adolescence and the rise of social media influencers like Andrew Tate highlight a growing cultural shift that many professionals, parents, and carers find deeply concerning.
Misogynistic influencers and toxic online messaging are reaching young people at an alarming rate, shaping their views on gender, relationships, and power dynamics in ways that can be difficult to challenge. With online spaces evolving rapidly, many people working with young people feel they are struggling to keep up or are unable counter the impact of online experiences.
This article explores the rise of misogynistic thinking among young people, the forces driving it, and, most importantly, how we can support and guide young people towards a respectful approach.
What is misogyny?
Misogyny is the dislike of, contempt for, or prejudice against women and girls. It shapes the way children and young people view gender, relationships, and themselves. Misogyny can manifest subtly, such as dismissing girls’ opinions or reinforcing harmful stereotypes, or can escalate into more overt forms, like harassment, discrimination, and violence.
In today’s digital world, young people are increasingly exposed to misogynistic content online, through social media, gaming platforms, and influencers promoting harmful gender norms. These messages influence how boys see and treat girls, how girls view themselves, and how all young people understand equality and respect. Addressing misogyny early is essential to help children and young people develop healthy, respectful attitudes.
Common terminology linked to misogyny
Language constantly evolves, especially in the digital age, where new terms emerge and shift in meaning, influencing how young people understand the world.
Toxic masculinity is a set of cultural norms that pressure men to behave in aggressive, dominant, or emotionally repressed ways. Misogyny refers to hatred towards, contempt for, or prejudice against women, often leading to discrimination or harmful attitudes. Misandry is the dislike of or prejudice against men, which is often brought up in discussions as a counter to misogyny.
The manosphere is a collection of online communities promoting misogynistic beliefs, including the idea of hypergamy (women seeking higher-status men) and the 80:20 rule (80% of women are only interested in the top 20% of men).
Men are often categorised within the manosphere as alpha or beta males based on perceived dominance and attractiveness, often linked to manosphere ideologies. The term incel, short for ‘involuntary celibate’, refers to men who believe they are unable to attract women and often blame feminism or society for their struggles.
The terms red pill and black pill originate from a concept described in the film, The Matrix. Online, this metaphor has been adopted by various groups, to describe what they see as the hidden truths about gender dynamics and society. Taking the ‘red pill’ means rejecting feminism and mainstream narratives about gender equality. The ‘black pill’ ideology suggests that men’s social and romantic success is entirely predetermined by genetics and appearance, often leading to a fatalistic worldview.
Sexting is sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos, often via smartphones or social media. In the UK, it is a criminal offence to create or share explicit images of a child. Digital grooming is the process of predators manipulating young people online, which can be connected to issues like sexting.
Understanding these terms helps us to recognise harmful narratives, engage young people in meaningful discussions, and guide them toward respectful perspectives on sex, gender, and relationships.
Changing sources of information leading to increased misogyny
Traditionally, conversations about relationships and respect are often confined to Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education in schools. However, young people are increasingly exposed to information about sex, gender, identity, and consent from sources outside trusted adults or formal education.
According to Ofcom, 91% of children own a mobile phone by the time they are 11. The Children’s Commissioner for England reported in 2022 that the average age at which children first see pornography is just under 13, with one in 10 children watching pornography by the time they are nine years old. This raises significant concerns about what they are learning—and what harmful attitudes they may be absorbing.
A 2025 University of York survey of UK teachers found that 76% of primary teachers and 60% of secondary teachers were concerned about the influence of online misogyny in their schools. Alarmingly, 44% of secondary teachers reported witnessing female students experiencing misogynistic comments, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour linked to online content. This highlights the urgent need to challenge these harmful narratives and equip young people with skills to foster respectful relationships.
The impact of social media on young people
Social media is designed to show us content that engages us, but it can also raise concerns about exposure to harmful material. Algorithms amplify content based on past interactions, often leading young people down dangerous paths, such as self-harm content and extremist ideologies. A 2024 study from University College London, the University of Kent and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), found that social media algorithms actively amplify misogynistic content for teenagers.
Social media also changes the way we communicate. Instead of thoughtful conversations, platforms encourage quick, reactionary statements. This creates ‘echo chambers’, reinforcing extreme or polarising views, especially regarding misogyny. As trends evolve rapidly, young people’s interests shift faster than adults can keep up. Adults may focus on figures like Andrew Tate, but young people are already moving on to new influences.
Taking action against misogyny
So how can we recognise and challenge misogynistic thinking in children and young people?
1. Create strong lines of communication
The foundation for addressing misogyny in young people is open, honest communication. Instead of trying to keep up with rapidly changing trends, we can focus on building lasting, trusting relationships where young people feel comfortable coming to us with their concerns, questions, or confusion.
It’s important to create an environment where they know they can speak freely about issues like sex, gender, relationships, and the content they encounter online, even if it feels difficult or uncomfortable. This means staying open to hearing things we may not agree with or might find unsettling, but it is essential for fostering trust and guiding young people toward more respectful perspectives.
2. Encourage open discussion and teach critical thinking
We can create a space where young people feel safe to express their views without fear of judgment. This means encouraging open discussions about sex, gender, relationships, and online influences in a supportive environment where harmful ideas can be questioned and challenged.
When misogynistic beliefs arise, it’s crucial not to shy away from addressing them head-on. Using facts, statistics, and real-world examples, we can counter misconceptions and highlight the harm caused by sexism and misogynistic views. Teaching young people to think critically about the content they encounter online is essential. It helps them understand how algorithms shape their online experiences and equips them with the skills to identify manipulation, misinformation, and misogynistic narratives. Promoting media literacy empowers them to navigate the digital world more responsibly and with a more informed perspective.
3. Explore identity and understand the roots of misogyny
Misogyny often arises from feelings of disempowerment and a lack of belonging. It’s essential to explore gender identity with young people, helping them understand the societal pressures that shape gender expectations and why these pressures can contribute to the growth of misogyny.
Encouraging open reflection on these topics provides a constructive way to challenge harmful beliefs. By actively listening to young people, we can help them recognise the deeper emotional and social factors that fuel misogynistic thinking. This exploration not only breaks down stereotypes but also allows young people to develop a more positive and inclusive sense of identity.
4. Support the development of respectful relationships
Building respectful relationships starts with empathy, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of power dynamics. It’s crucial to emphasise that messages about respect and consent should be introduced early, not just in the context of intimate relationships, but across all forms of human interaction.
Using real-life examples, role-playing activities, and having open discussions can help illustrate what healthy relationships look like—whether they involve friends, family, or romantic partners. By focusing on key values like consent, equality, and open communication, we can reinforce these principles across various contexts. Encouraging young people to recognise these values as fundamental to all their relationships will provide them with a strong foundation for the future.
5. Address misogynistic language
The language we use holds significant power, shaping and reflecting our thoughts. When we hear young people using misogynistic language or expressing harmful beliefs, it’s important to intervene in a respectful yet clear manner. Rather than just reprimanding them, we should take the time to explain why such language and attitudes are harmful. By normalising these conversations and addressing problematic language as it arises, we ensure that harmful views are not left unchallenged. This approach helps foster an environment where respect and equality are the expected norms.
Building a future of respect and equality
It’s important to recognise the potential and curiosity of young people. They are not passive recipients of information; they are full of ideas and opinions and have a genuine interest in understanding the world around them. By creating open lines of communication and encouraging thoughtful discussions, we can empower them to make informed, positive decisions.
While it’s easy to fall into a moral panic over the rise of misogynistic content and the radicalisation of young people, it’s crucial to avoid feeling helpless or paralysed. Instead, we can take action by creating systems that teach respect, healthy relationships, and the ability to critically evaluate content—helping them navigate the online world more safely and responsibly. In doing so, we can transform this focus on misogyny into an opportunity to make meaningful, positive changes in society. By investing in young people’s development and providing the right tools and guidance, we set them up to become thoughtful, respectful individuals who contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
