Caveat – As a result of what happened in the US elections, we have seen a spike in misogynistic language being used online by teen boys over the past week. In fact, the “Institute For Strategic Dialogue” has seen 4,600% increase in misogynist language directed at women after the US election ended (1) However, this is something that we have seen and heard about here at the White Hatter for several years now, and something that parents and caregivers should be aware of. It should also be noted that this is not just a North American challenge, it is international in scope. This article from Australia inspired the creation of this posting (2) We here at the White Hatter have seen an anecdotal rise of gendered misconduct and the objectification of young women, both online and in school environments, that have created an increasingly toxic culture, one that can sometimes negatively impact the lives, mental health, and sense of safety of some girls. In fact, a 2021 Ofsted report found that 9 our of 10 girls reported experiencing sexist or image-based harassment in school. (3) This article seeks to equip parents, caregivers, and educators with a deeper understanding of these troubling behaviors that we have witnessed, how they appear in today’s digital and social landscapes, and actionable steps we can take collectively to foster respect and accountability in our teens. In recent years, we have heard from both educators and teen girls of an alarming increase in the level and frequency of disrespect directed toward girls by certain boys in school settings including school athletics. As an example, social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, have become spaces where some boys publicly rate their female classmates, often using language that ranges from objectifying to explicitly disturbing. Terms like “wifey,” “one-night stand,” “abduction material,” and even “unrapeable” are used to label girls, trivializing the serious issue of sexual violence and creating an environment where disrespect is normalized. (2) Another example of how social media has become a platform for spreading a misogynistic message since the U.S. election – the phrase “your body, my choice” being pushed on platforms such as X and TikTok. As noted in the cautionary Australian article mentioned in the caveat (4): “These statements align with the comments posted by prominent far-right leader and activist Nick Fuentes, who posted on X ‘Your body, my choice. Forever’. This vile sentiment very quickly became a viral meme, across all the major social media sites. It was even printed on T-shirts and readied for purchase.” Some social media influencers who have a large following among teenage boys, promote a brand of hyper-toxic masculinity that often objectifies women – sometimes known collectively as the “manosphere.” (5) These influencers reinforce harmful stereotypes and encourage disrespectful behavior toward women and girls, normalizing a perspective that sees girls as “less than” or as objects to be rated and used. Such toxic influencers may openly talk about their disregard for women or teach their young audiences to see relationships as games of control, all under the guise of “male” empowerment or self-confidence. (6) Teen boys who idolize these figures often mimic these attitudes unknowingly, and sometimes knowingly, perpetuating misogynistic beliefs and actions. Another avenue of misogynistic concern – teen boys sports teams can sometimes also foster misogynistic beliefs through locker-room culture, competitive pressure, and certain outdated coaching practices. In locker rooms, boys may engage in hyper-masculine conversations or “locker room talk” that demeans girls and women, creating an environment where objectifying language becomes normalized. (7)(8) When there are no consequences for misogynistic comments or behavior, boys may view these actions as acceptable or even admirable. Addressing this issue requires coaches, parents, educators, and sports organizations to promote inclusive values, encourage respect, and provide positive role models who challenge harmful stereotypes and emphasize empathy and mutual respect for all. When confronted about such misogynistic behaviour, many boys insist that these behaviors are “jokes” and that they don’t see themselves as “bad guys.” They often claim they were simply “goofing around” and didn’t intend any harm. But this dismissive attitude reflects a broader societal issue where boys, and sometimes even young men, fail to recognize the real impact of their actions. Misogynistic behaviors are trivialized, normalized, and even celebrated, leaving the mental health, self-esteem, and safety of girls to suffer. Compounding this concern – some parents and caregivers who are informed about their son’s behavior often try to downplay the seriousness of the situation, saying it’s just “boys being boys.” However, by excusing such behavior, parents may inadvertently encourage a lack of accountability, which only emboldens their sons to repeat or escalate their actions. The impact of this type of online and offline misogynistic behaviour directed at girls can be severe and lasting. Many young women experience anxiety, diminished self-esteem, and even dread about going to school or being active on social media. One teen we worked with shared that she deleted her Instagram account after several male classmates started leaving derogatory comments on her posts, rating her looks in a way that made her feel powerless and unsafe. The girl noted that even walking down the school hallways had become an ordeal, as she worried about how her male peers viewed her. When objectification and disrespect become normalized, girls are forced to navigate an environment that fosters feelings of worthlessness and powerlessness, eroding their confidence and their ability to engage fully in their education and social lives. Parents, especially of boys, play a vital role in reversing these troubling trends. Here are some critical actions and steps parents can take that we recommend to help counter this trending narrative: We also need to empower and teach teen girls how to cope with concerns around gendered misconduct and objectification, it’s essential to focus on both proactive and reactive strategies that can empower them while fostering resilience. Here are some approaches we suggest: The aim is to create an environment, both at home and in school, that empowers … Continue reading Social Media, Gendered Misconduct, and the Objectification of Girls in Schools