A new film highlighting real-life misogyny faced by teenage girls in the UK has prompted experts to share key signs of radicalisation in boys. The film, created with the help of mental health charity This Life Collective, features placards detailing graphic sexist comments—often disguised as 'banter'—that girls from Tyneside have endured at school.
One 15-year-old girl told the BBC that boys in her class had created a 'rape list', ranking female students based on 'who they want to rape the most'. She said it made her feel 'worthless' and added: 'It is frightening because you don’t know people’s real intentions.'
Film Shared with Government and PM
The video has been shared with the Department for Education and Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and has reached over 190,000 people, garnering hundreds of supportive comments on social media over the past three days. Commenters described it as 'unfortunately accurate and shocking' and 'clearly it’s worse' than before.
While gender-based harassment is nothing new, 60% of UK secondary school teachers say it’s on the increase, with the majority witnessing misogynistic comments directed towards female pupils at least once a week.
Social Media Blamed for Rise
Sue Davison, director of This Life Collective, blamed social media for the rise of toxic masculinity among 'disenfranchised boys', explaining: 'I think the language is getting more violent and aggressive.' It’s now easier than ever for boys to fall down the rabbit hole of extreme ideologies, so challenging radicalisation early on is vital.
How Boys Are Drawn into the 'Manosphere'
Amelia Whitworth, head of policy, campaigns and youth at Plan International UK, told Metro: 'Harmful manosphere content doesn’t always look extreme or obvious. Misogynistic messages are often wrapped up in memes, humour, self-improvement advice and motivational content, making them much harder to spot.'
She added: 'Manosphere content taps into the very real fears and anxieties that boys may experience, then twists them to push misogynistic ideas that ignore – or outright dismiss – the challenges women and girls face.'
Action Counters Terrorism describes radicalisation as a process that typically ramps up in four stages: pre-radical, self-identify, indoctrination, and terrorism. However, the vast majority of people who hold extreme views will never reach the final stage, but that doesn’t mean the resulting behaviour doesn’t cause harm.
Signs to Look Out For
Educate Against Hate advises looking out for these potential indicators that a child is involved in online misogynist subcultures:
- Manosphere jargon, including terms like 'alpha male', 'red pill' or 'looksmaxxing'.
- Generalisations about women being manipulative, shallow, or only interested in money/status.
- The adoption of strict gender roles; particularly the belief women should be submissive and men should be dominant.
- Spending more time online or becoming isolated from friends and family.
- Increased frustration or anger, especially around dating, relationships, or perceived societal injustices against men.
- Victim mentality, which Amelia explains as 'a mistaken belief that gender equality has somehow come at boys’ expense.'
- Changing role models; admiring or idolising figures who promote extremely misogynistic views while rejecting those who promote gender equality.
Advice for Parents
Amelia says it’s important to keep conversations open, as 'when a child feels judged or lectured, they’re less likely to share what they’re seeing online.' She advises: 'Instead, be curious and weave conversations on gender equality into everyday moments to keep things relaxed. Ask what content they’re watching, who they follow and what they think about it. Helping young people question what they’re seeing online and understand that algorithms don’t show an objective view of the world is a great place to start.'
