The rise of misogyny among young men is an issue of significant concern. Harmful and even malicious attitudes, often disguised as “just banter,” are fostering a culture where violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains alarmingly persistent. This isn’t just about words; it’s about actions and the wider harm inflicted on society. Misogyny among young people is not a minor issue or trivial social nuisance —it actually leads to real-world harm.
Alarming Trends: Misogyny in Schools
Misogynistic attitudes and behaviours are becoming increasingly normalised in schools. Teachers frequently report incidents of sexist language, harassment, and even violent bullying. According to the Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges (2021), 90% of girls and nearly half of boys have experienced unwanted sexual comments, touching, or sexist name-calling in school environments.
This troubling normalisation was further exposed by Everyone’s Invited, which gathered more than 15,000 anonymous testimonies of sexual harassment and abuse in 2022. These accounts underscore a pervasive culture of misogyny that demands urgent action.
Why Is Misogyny on the Rise?
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube amplify misogynistic ideologies. We can also clearly see that influencers promoting toxic masculinity, victim-blaming, and regressive gender roles are normalising harmful attitudes and therefore fueling the rise in mishogony.
A Girlguiding report found that 71% of girls aged 11 to 21 believe sexism is widespread on social media, with 35% having experienced harassment directly. Social media algorithms, designed to maximise engagement, often prioritise and amplify such content, making it difficult for young people to escape.
This claim is supported by a study by University College London (UCL) and the University of Kent found that TikTok’s “For You” page showed a fourfold increase in misogynistic content over just five days, normalising harmful ideologies among young people.
This amplification of extreme content by algorithms can lead to the spread and normalisation of misogynistic attitudes, contributing to further harm.
However, misogyny in schools mirrors broader societal issues. In the UK, over 1.6 million women experience domestic abuse annually, and a woman is killed by a man every three days. High-profile figures in politics, policing, sports, and entertainment often engage in misogynistic behaviour without facing meaningful consequences. This sends damaging messages to young people, normalising harmful attitudes as acceptable.
Four Ways to Combat Misogyny
1- Challenge the Opinion, Not the Person
When addressing toxic views, avoid confrontations that may be perceived as personal attacks. Instead, encourage critical thinking with open-ended questions like:
- Where did you hear that?
- Do you think the source is reliable?
- How might this viewpoint affect others?
- This approach promotes reflection without triggering defensiveness.
2- Encourage Active Bystander Behaviour
Empowering young people to safely challenge misogynistic behaviour can make a significant difference. Brook (formerly known as the Brook Advisory Service) provides a helpful framework, known as the 5 Ds:
- Direct: Confront the behaviour directly, e.g., “That’s not okay.”
- Distract: Change the topic or redirect attention.
- Delegate: Report the incident to a trusted adult, such as a teacher or parent.
- Delay: If immediate intervention feels unsafe, check on the affected person later.
- Disapprove: Use non-verbal cues, like walking away or showing disapproval, to convey your stance.
3- Promote Positive Male Role Models
It helps boys and young men to witness male role models engaging in acts of healthy, respectful behaviour. These examples prove to them that kindness, empathy, and equality are true strengths. By seeing and following such positive role models, they are encouraged to challenge toxic stereotypes and instead embrace a more inclusive and empowering interpretation of masculinity.
4- Educate Yourself and Others
Understanding the influencers, trends, and narratives that shape young people’s views is crucial. To ensure that any discussions we have with them are meaningful and effective, we need to engage with them in environments where they feel comfortable and receptive to our efforts.
A Call to Action and Commitment
Reducing violence against women is both an urgent priority and a long-term commitment. Tackling misogyny, whether online or offline, is essential but most certainly not sufficient.
We must address the needs of young boys and men who have been exposed to abuse or violence, breaking cycles that might otherwise lead to further harm. Equally, we must challenge entrenched patriarchal mindsets that perpetuate inequality and violence.
Clear, enforceable laws are also vital. Police must investigate every act of violence against women thoroughly, and courts must impose sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes.
Building a society rooted in respect and equality is challenging but achievable. It requires urgency, focus, and decisive action—not just words. It is up to us to halt the rise of misogyny and, one day, put an end to it entirely. Do not forget, that you too can take action to help end violence against women.
For women seeking to take proactive steps to improve their personal safety, my book, NEVER A VICTIM – The Definitive Guide to Women’s Safety, offers practical strategies, empowering advice, and a trauma-informed perspective.