Scott Lyons, the district secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), raised significant concerns regarding the issues depicted in the Netflix series “Adolescence”, emphasising that the challenges surrounding youth behaviour often begin within the home. The series, directed by actor Stephen Graham, follows the harrowing narrative of a teenage boy accused of fatally harming a girl, ultimately exploring the underlying influences shaping such violent behaviours.

Lyons noted that the show delves into the theme of radicalisation among young boys, particularly highlighting the influence of ‘incel culture’, the so-called ‘manosphere’, and a broader spectrum of online misogyny. These digital spaces expose children to ideologies that foster a distorted view of masculinity and an aversion to feminism, which are becoming increasingly apparent on mainstream social media platforms.

Prominent in these discussions is Andrew Tate, a British-American influencer whose videos on TikTok have amassed over 11.6 billion views. He has become a focal point of criticism for propagating misogynistic messages and attitudes that contribute to a toxic environment for young people.

The urgency of these discussions follows a NEU survey revealing alarming statistics, where nine out of ten female teachers in Norfolk reported either experiencing or witnessing violence directed at them or their colleagues. The NEU points out that male pupils are not only responsible for such abuses against teaching staff but are disproportionately targeting female teachers, with a notable portion of these incidents being sexual in nature.

Recent statistics provided by Norfolk Police underline the severity of the situation, revealing that one third of suspects implicated in sexual offences last year were under 18 years of age. This alarming figure includes 131 primary school-aged suspects, while 560 were from secondary schools up to the age of 16. Additionally, nearly half of all sexual assault victims were under the age of 18, with the majority being female.

Lyons expressed concern over parental disbelief regarding their children’s potential involvement in such abusive behaviours. He stated, “Figures like Andrew Tate are often blamed but this behaviour is also being learned at home,” highlighting the lack of communication and understanding between parents and their children regarding online interactions. Furthermore, he pointed out that the pressures parents face, working longer hours and multiple jobs, can create a disconnect that affects their children’s behaviours and awareness of online dangers.

Reflecting on real-life incidents, Lyons recounted an event at a Norwich school where a group of boys intimidated a female teacher, only for their parents to dismiss such claims when confronted. He commented on the troubling acceptance among some parents of inappropriate behaviours and the reluctance of schools to challenge these issues effectively, often out of fear of parental backlash.

In response to these challenges, schools have implemented restrictions on mobile phone usage during school hours. However, Lyons advocated for greater parental vigilance regarding their children’s online activities, urging them to engage in open conversations about their children’s digital lives. “Parents are much stricter on what children are doing in real life than online,” he noted, suggesting that this disparity needs to be addressed to foster safer online environments.

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, acknowledged the pervasive concerns regarding the rising tide of misogyny in schools. She remarked, “There has clearly not been enough attention paid to the different pressures on boys and young men for many years now,” referring to the show’s challenging yet relevant representation of these issues. Taylor highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between educational institutions, parents, and the community in addressing these multifaceted problems while noting initiatives like the Bystander Intervention Programme aimed at educating young people about sexual violence and harassment. However, she cautioned that these programmes do not fully address the root causes of misogyny.

As the influence of the manosphere continues to permeate youth culture, particularly through social media, the need for comprehensive dialogue and action addressing both online behaviour and its real-world implications is underscored by recent events and reports from local officials. The potential for long-lasting change, as advocated by Taylor, remains a priority for many stakeholders involved in the education and wellbeing of young people in Norfolk.

Source: Noah Wire Services