New Guide Offers Guidance on Addressing Online Masculinity Influencers
A new resource has been developed to help schools, teachers, and parents address the influence of online masculinity advocates on children and young people, with a focus on teenage boys across Ireland.
The Urgent Need for Guidance
This resource was inspired by the growing concern over influencers like Andrew Tate, who attract large young male audiences through sexually explicit and misogynistic content.
Educators and parents in Ireland and the UK are increasingly worried about how young people, especially teenage boys, engage with online “masculinity influencers” on social media.
The Creators of the Guide
The guide was developed by Dr. Darragh McCashin and Dr. Catherine Baker from Dublin City University, along with Dr. Fiona O’Rourke.
Content and Impact of Online Masculinity Advocates
The guide highlights that some content by these influencers promotes harmful ideologies, attitudes, and behaviors, including restrictive and oppressive forms of masculinity linked to sexual and gender-based abuse, harassment, and violence.
It aims to equip schools, teachers, and educators with strategies to address these online influences through educational interventions and discussions.
The Case of Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate, one such influencer, has gained millions of followers and has had his videos viewed billions of times.
Tate’s posts range from motivational content to explicitly harmful and misogynistic commentary.
Despite facing allegations of abuse, rape, and human trafficking, which he denies, Tate has been banned from major social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
[ Inside Andrew Tate’s toxic world: Former girlfriends speak out against himOpens in new window ]
The Influence on Boys and Men
Tate and similar influencers promote ideals of masculinity that can negatively impact boys who do not conform to these narrow standards.
Dr. Darragh McCashin from Dublin City University explains that there has been a noticeable uptick in traditional masculinity attitudes among pre-teen boys, leading to an increase in sexist and misogynistic behavior in classrooms.
McCashin suggests that this trend may be linked to the influence of online content promoting traditionalist views of masculinity.
Key Points of the Guide
The 39-page guide offers advice to schools, teachers, and parents on how to address the impact of online masculinity influencers and digital cultures on young people, particularly teenage boys.
It includes information on harmful ideologies promoted by these influencers and the guides to educational interventions.
The Broader Context
McCashin emphasizes that this issue is not limited to Ireland but has broader implications for the education system and society at large.
He cites research that shows younger men are embracing more traditionalist views of masculinity compared to previous generations, suggesting a possible connection to online manosphere content.
Conclusion
The new guide is a crucial tool for addressing the challenge posed by online masculinity influencers.
By providing educators and parents with practical strategies, it aims to counter the harmful influence of these influencers and promote healthier, more inclusive views of masculinity.
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