The Dangers of Social Media for Young Boys: Lessons from Adolescence and Gareth Southgate’s Call for Role Models

The Dangers of Social Media for Young Boys: Lessons from Adolescence and Gareth Southgate’s Call for Role Models

The Growing Threat of Online Radicalisation

The hit Netflix series Adolescence has sparked a national conversation about the dangers of social media for young boys. The show highlights the dark reality of online radicalisation, where impressionable teenagers are drawn into toxic men’s rights activism (MRA) and exposed to harmful ideologies. The story follows a seemingly average boy who, despite coming from a loving home, is gradually influenced by online figures promoting misogyny, dominance, and violence. His descent into extremist views ultimately leads to tragic consequences, mirroring real-world concerns over the impact of online influencers on vulnerable young men.

The show’s impact was further amplified by former England football manager Gareth Southgate’s powerful speech at the BBC’s annual Richard Dimbleby Lecture. Southgate highlighted the crisis facing young men today, emphasising the desperate need for positive male role models and warning against the influence of “callous, manipulative, and toxic influencers.”

This unsettling portrayal is not just fiction—it reflects a growing real-life problem. With social media algorithms designed to maximise engagement, boys are increasingly being fed content that reinforces toxic masculinity, resentment, and even violence.

Together, Adolescence and Southgate’s speech paint a troubling picture of how easily young men can be drawn into toxic online subcultures—and why action is urgently needed.

The Radicalisation of Young Boys Online

Adolescence tells the harrowing story of Jamie, a seemingly ordinary 13-year-old boy who becomes radicalised through the online “manosphere.” Alone in his bedroom, Jamie falls under the spell of misogynistic influencers, gradually absorbing their distorted worldview. The show’s chilling depiction of his descent highlights how social media algorithms, designed to maximise engagement, frequently push vulnerable users toward more extreme content.

What makes Adolescence particularly disturbing is that Jamie does not fit the stereotype of a troubled or neglected child. He comes from a loving family, but they remain unaware of the radicalisation occurring just behind his bedroom door. This underscores the frightening reality that even boys from supportive and untroubled backgrounds can be lured into extremist echo chambers online.

The show’s release has resonated widely, with Labour leader Keir Starmer describing it as a depiction of an “emerging and growing problem.” Its success has led to calls for the series to be shown in schools and even in Parliament as a cautionary tale.

Gareth Southgate’s Warning: Young Boys Need Real Role Models

In a powerful speech at the BBC’s Richard Dimbleby Lecture, former England manager Gareth Southgate echoed the themes of Adolescence, expressing concerns about young men’s growing dependence on online influencers. Southgate highlighted how many boys, feeling isolated and lacking strong role models, turn to the internet for guidance.

He warned that manipulative influencers, driven by self-interest, exploit young men’s vulnerabilities. These figures promote damaging messages—equating success with dominance, emotional suppression with strength, and women with enemies. Southgate argued that young men need better role models, such as teachers, coaches, and mentors, who can offer positive guidance and teach the value of resilience, connection, and compassion.

Reflecting on his own struggles, including his infamous penalty miss at Euro ’96, Southgate emphasised the importance of learning from failure—a lesson lost on many young men shielded by the curated perfection of social media. He pointed out that in the digital world, failure is often ridiculed, and leading boys to withdraw further rather than take healthy risks.

“These are callous, manipulative, and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain,” Southgate said. “They willingly trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or dominance, that strength means never showing emotion, and that the world, including women, is against them.”

The Link between Social Media and Knife Crime

The impact of social media on young boys extends beyond radicalisation—it also contributes to real-world violence. There is a growing concern that online platforms not only glorify aggression but also create echo chambers where violence is normalised. Young men seeking validation online may be drawn into gangs or criminal behaviour, leading to a rise in knife crime and other violent acts.

The constant exposure to online bravado—where masculinity is equated with dominance—fuels a dangerous mind-set. When combined with a lack of emotional support and real-world role models, this toxic cocktail can push boys towards reckless and violent behaviour.

How Parents and Carers Can Protect Their Children

For parents and carers, tackling this issue requires vigilance and proactive engagement. Here are some practical tips to help safeguard children from harmful online influences:

1. Monitor Online Activity

• Keep an eye on your child’s social media accounts and the content they are consuming.
• Use parental control apps to limit exposure to harmful or extremist content.
• Have open, non-judgmental conversations about the types of accounts they follow.

2. Watch for Warning Signs

• Changes in Behaviour: Increased aggression, withdrawal, or secrecy could signal exposure to radical or violent content.
• Language and Attitudes: Sudden misogynistic or anti-authority views may indicate online influence.
• Loss of Interest: A decline in interest in school, sports, or hobbies could suggest an unhealthy obsession with online figures.

3. Promote Real-World Connections

• Encourage involvement in sports, clubs, or youth groups to foster genuine, positive social interactions.
• Introduce your child to strong role models—coaches, teachers, or mentors—who promote healthy values.
• Teach resilience by allowing your child to experience and learn from failure in a safe environment.

4. Educate About Online Manipulation

Teach them critical thinking skills to question and assess the credibility of online content.

The Need for Systemic Change

While parental vigilance is essential, systemic solutions are also needed. Stricter regulations on social media platforms, improved digital literacy education in schools, and more male role models in youth programs could help combat the influence of harmful online figures.

Countries like France and Norway are already experimenting with smartphone bans for teenagers during school hours to reduce screen time. It may be time for the UK to consider similar measures to protect young people from the increasingly addictive and radicalising nature of social media.

Final Thoughts

The combination of Adolescence and Gareth Southgate’s impassioned speech has shone a light on the urgent need to address the online radicalisation of young boys. The challenge is complex, but the solution lies in fostering real-world connections, promoting positive role models, and creating safer online environments.

As Southgate poignantly stated, “True success is how you respond in the hardest moments.” By helping young men build resilience, empathy, and emotional strength, we can guide them away from destructive online influences and towards a healthier, more grounded future.

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