This term, we were pleased to host parents and carers of all pupils from across the school to an important talk exploring Misogyny, Misandry and Online Influences. The session aimed to help parents and carers understand how online cultures, social media algorithms, and stereotypes are shaping young people’s attitudes toward gender, equality, and relationships.
We began by examining why conversations about misogyny and misandry and invited parents and carers to reflect on the increasing evidence of gender-based harassment reported in surveys such as that from this year’s Girl Guiding survey of 2500 young girls. Alongside this we also assessed the increasing concern for young men and what has been described as a “crisis of masculinity.” Using discussion and short film clips, the session unpacked how gender stereotypes reinforce inequality and how these messages influence behaviour both online and offline.
We discussed how to spot the signs of misogynistic and misandrist attitudes - from dismissing ideas, interrupting or blaming others, to more overt actions like harassment. These examples, adapted from Police resources, helped parents to recognise early warning signs in online language and interactions.
A key section of the talk, titled “The Aggro-rithm,” highlighted the role of online algorithms in promoting extreme or divisive content to young people, particularly boys (the video is available at: https://youtu.be/qGASUCP-YLI ). Parents were introduced to terms such as incel, red pill, and MGTOW, and discussed how online communities such as Reddit or Discord forums can normalise harmful stereotypes or exploit young men’s insecurities. We stressed the importance of digital literacy - teaching young people to question and critically evaluate the content they consume.
We also outlined how BGS tackles these complex issues in a multitude of ways. From Year 7 to Sixth Form, pupils engage in PSHE and RSE lessons covering self-esteem, social media use, online safety, sexting, discrimination, pornography, and healthy relationships. Assemblies, form time activities, and pupil voice groups all reinforce the school’s core values of kindness and integrity.
We also explained how the school identifies and responds to incidents of discrimination or online harm. Through monitoring, anonymous reporting systems, and a clear safeguarding framework, BGS ensures that every incident is taken seriously. Consequences are balanced with education and support for all parties involved, and external agencies are engaged where necessary.
Parents were encouraged to work in partnership with the school and to take a proactive approach at home. Key advice included:
- Be intolerant of intolerance - challenge disrespectful behaviour early.
- Take time to understand the online platforms your child uses and discuss what they see online. Take particular interest in sites like Reddit or gaming sites which promote online chat or communities such as Discord.
- Encourage and reward young people demonstrating critical thinking, and open dialogue.
- Avoid shaming or stereotyping boys or girls; instead, focus on values and respect.
The evening concluded with a reminder that tackling misogyny and misandry is a shared responsibility between school, parents, and young people. By fostering open communication, modelling respect, and promoting digital awareness, we hope to challenge unacceptable behaviour and support help the next generation build healthy, equal, and respectful relationships both online and in the real world.
For parents interested in exploring the matter further the following links will be of interest:
- Girl guiding 2025 survey
- Internet Matters: Online misogyny and image-based abuse research
- Anti-Defamation League
- Webinar recording: healthy masculinity and friendships with Fredi Beard
- Centre for Social Justice - The Lost Boys
- Show, Tell and Leave Nothing to the imagination: How critical social justice is undermining British schooling
- Masculinity and women’s equality: study finds emerging gender divide in young people’s attitudes | King’s College London
- Tony Porter: A call to men | TED Talk
- Through Her Eyes video – tackling harassment and misogyny | Southwark Council
- Enough Campaign – we can all do something to challenge abuse
- AI ‘Aggro-rithms’ target boys with harmful content within 60s
- About the Boys – BBC
- Armour (short-film) – Beyond Equality