As part of a national inquiry by the Women and Equalities Committee in the House of Commons, Junior Ambassadors from Carmel College engaged in a thoughtful and critical discussion exploring how the “manosphere” and other online content are fuelling misogyny. Their conversation aimed to provide evidence on the impact of this content on young people’s attitudes and behaviours, both online and offline, and to suggest ways to address the issue.

Students reflected on the role of social media in their lives, identifying platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat as central to youth culture. While these platforms offer connection and entertainment, they also expose users to harmful rhetoric, unrealistic beauty standards, and pressure to conform. The group highlighted how social media can subtly influence behaviour, especially among younger users who may lack the maturity to critically assess what they see.

The discussion turned to the rise of misogynistic influencers promoting male superiority and traditional gender roles. Students expressed concern about how these figures target insecure and isolated young men, often under the guise of self-improvement or community. They noted the emergence of terms like “alpha male” and “tradwife” as part of a broader trend that reinforces patriarchal norms.

Sexism and sexual harassment were identified as serious issues within their age group, with many young women experiencing inappropriate behaviour both online and in real-life settings, including the workplace. Students called for better education around political extremism and misogyny, and emphasised the need for safe spaces and stronger institutional support.

Their contributions offer valuable insight into how online content shapes youth perspectives and underscore the urgency of addressing digital misogyny through education, regulation, and cultural change.

We got involved via UK Parliament’s outreach and engagement team. They send out a newsletter that sometimes include opportunities like this that you can sign up to – Sign up to the UK Parliament’s Education Newsletter – Parliament UK Education.