The recent Netflix series Adolescence has shocked audiences worldwide. In the show, a 13-year-old boy murders a classmate—a disturbing yet eerily relevant example of what some are calling a post-Andrew Tate world.
But this isn’t just fiction. It’s a chilling reflection of the dangers of the internet and the unchecked influence of misogynistic content on young boys. It exposes how certain influencers push dangerous ideologies, shaping how young men see themselves and the world around them.
The Mechanics of Modern Boyhood
Adolescence forces us to ask a tough question: What does modern boyhood really look like?
For many parents, the answer is unsettling. Young boys today are consuming content that glorifies dominance, control, and aggression—all under the guise of “becoming real men.” It’s no longer just locker-room talk; it’s a deeply ingrained belief system that is being reinforced by digital radicalisation.
The Influence of Andrew Tate & Similar Figures
Andrew Tate, a controversial internet personality, has built a massive following by promoting a hyper-masculine, often violent version of manhood. His messaging is simple but dangerous:
- Strength equals dominance.
- Women are weak, subservient, and exist only to serve men.
- The world is against men, and they must fight for control.
His content isn’t just talk—it’s a business. Tate and his followers sell online courses on “how to be a real man”, pushing harmful ideas about power, wealth, and relationships. He even suggests that men should walk around their homes carrying swords to establish authority.
The Algorithm’s Role in Radicalisation
The problem isn’t that boys are actively searching for misogynistic content. The issue is that once they engage with one video, social media algorithms push them deeper into the rabbit hole.
A young boy looking for advice on confidence or fitness might soon find himself consuming content that frames women as inferior, glorifies aggression, and promotes a warped sense of success.
Even football manager Gareth Southgate has spoken out about this issue, warning that toxic influencers trick young men into believing success is about money and control—and that the world, including women, is against them.
What Can Parents Do?
As parents, educators, and responsible adults, we cannot afford to look away. Here’s how we can protect our kids from falling into this dangerous cycle:
- Be aware – Know what content they are exposed to.
- Debunk the messaging – Challenge harmful narratives.
- Teach media literacy – Help them analyze and question online content.
- Promote positive role models – Show them examples of healthy, respectful masculinity.
- Encourage critical thinking – Teach them to question what “strength” and “success” truly mean.
The internet isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the influence of toxic masculinity. But we can equip our children with the tools to navigate it wisely.
As a mother of two young girls, I find this conversation close to home. I often wonder—what kind of world are my daughters growing up in? A world where they are empowered to chase their dreams or one where they have to fight against deeply ingrained biases constantly?
The truth is, that the way we raise our sons is just as important as how we raise our daughters. If we want a future where our children—both boys and girls—can thrive, we need to actively reshape the narratives around masculinity and respect.
At Kidsstoppress, I have always believed that knowledge empowers parents. The more we understand the digital landscape our children are growing up in, the better we can guide them. It’s not just about protecting our daughters from harm; it’s about raising sons who never become the cause of it.
This isn’t just about one influencer or one series—it’s about shaping an entire generation. And that starts with us.
Let’s raise boys who are kind, confident, and respectful, and girls who never have to fight for their place in the world.
Because in the end, the world we create today is the one our children will inherit tomorrow.
Sheela Prakash
Mihika Edwin Menezes
KSP Team
Parul Gupta
