The Commons: The UK’s Response To Adolescence And Tackling Toxic Influencers
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The recent release of Netflix's drama TV series Adolescence has ignited a nationwide conversation in the UK about the behavior of young boys, particularly concerning their attitudes towards women. The series delves into the profound impact of social media and social media influencers, notably figures like Andrew Tate, on adolescent development. This discourse has captured the attention of the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who has engaged directly with the show's creators and other experts to devise strategies to address the pressing issues explored in the show.
The digital era has ushered in unprecedented access to information and influencers, some of whom propagate misogynistic ideologies. Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed "king of toxic masculinity," has garnered a substantial following among young males, promoting views that many deem harmful, regressive, and potentially dangerous. Concerns have been raised about his influence within British schools, with reports indicating a surge in misogynistic attitudes among students. Teachers and parents have observed a troubling trend where young boys emulate such figures, leading to a normalization of sexism and disrespect towards women.
A YouGov survey highlighted that one in six boys aged 6-15 holds a positive view of Andrew Tate, showing the extent of his reach and the potential impact on young minds. This statistic is particularly alarming, as it demonstrates Tate’s vast outreach amongst young boys. Furthermore, considering these boys are in the formative years of their life, what they are exposed to now could have long-term implications as they internalize certain misogynistic perspectives.
The UK government has recognized the severity of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and has already implemented several measures aimed at prevention, support, and justice.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 was landmark legislation to introduce a comprehensive definition of domestic abuse, encompassing physical, emotional, and economic abuse. It also established new protective orders and recognized children as victims in their own right, ensuring a more holistic approach to safeguarding. The Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (2021) outlines actions to increase support for survivors, bring perpetrators to justice, and reduce the prevalence of VAWG. It emphasizes a whole-system response, involving multiple agencies and community stakeholders. Amendments to Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) have empowered courts to issue SPOs proactively at the conclusion of criminal proceedings, enhancing protections for victims without necessitating separate applications by the police.
Despite these initiatives, reports from the National Audit Office (NAO) indicate that outcomes for victims have not significantly improved, and there is a pressing need for more effective action to be taken.
In response to the issues highlighted by "Adolescence," Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting with the show's creators, charities, and young individuals to discuss the pervasive influence of toxic online content on youth. Starmer emphasized the importance of collective efforts to mitigate these impacts, whilst acknowledging the complexity of the problem and saying there is no "silver bullet" solution.
One tangible and quick outcome from this engagement is the ability to stream "Adolescence" for free in UK secondary schools. This move aims to foster open discussions among students about misogyny, online radicalization, and healthy relationships. By integrating the series into educational settings, the government seeks to provide a relatable medium through which complex issues can be explored and addressed. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has also underscored the need for more male teachers to serve as positive role models for boys. With men constituting only a quarter of teachers and a mere 3% of early years educators, there is a significant gender imbalance in the teaching profession. Addressing this disparity could play a crucial role in challenging toxic masculinity and promoting respectful attitudes towards women.
These strategies may not go far enough, and many are pushing for the government to do more. As such, several additional measures could be considered to further address the influence of harmful online content on young men.
Digital literacy programs could be implemented into the curriculum in schools to equip students with critical thinking skills necessary to navigate online content discerningly. This would involve teaching young people to identify and challenge misogynistic and harmful narratives. This could be controversial however, as some may see this as bringing political or partisan views into the classroom in an effort to indoctrinate children into a certain mindset. A less controversial idea would be engagement with social media platforms. By collaborating with tech companies to monitor and regulate content that promotes misogyny and violence, the government could establish clear guidelines and accountability measures that might help reduce the effect and spread of harmful material.
A crucial element has to be increasing services for young men and destigmatizing the use of mental health services. Developing targeted support services could address specific needs and challenges faced by young men, providing them with healthy outlets and mentorship opportunities. Also, by partnering with community organizations to create programs that engage young men in discussions about masculinity, respect, and relationships, the government could foster environments where positive and healthy behaviors are encouraged. A final option could be to offer resources and workshops for parents to help them understand the digital landscapes their children navigate and to equip them with tools to discuss sensitive topics effectively.
The influence of social media on the attitudes and behaviors of young men in the UK presents a significant challenge that requires a coordinated and comprehensive response. While the government has initiated several measures to combat VAWG, the evolving digital landscape needs constant adaptation and proactive strategies. The collaboration between policymakers, educators, content creators, and communities is essential to foster an environment where young men can develop respectful and healthy relationships, free from the detrimental influences of toxic online content.
