Cassandra Kalpaxis, DV Educator, Family Lawyer and Founder of Kalpaxis Legal, talks about the dangers of online misogyny and violence after watching “Adolescence”.
Netflix’s latest mini-series, Adolescence, has ignited critical discussions about male violence and the growing crisis of misogyny among young boys. This four-part series follows the arrest of a 13-year-old boy suspected of murdering a female classmate, delving into urgent social issues such as revenge porn, casual violence at home, bullying, and the radicalisation of young men online.
As a Family Lawyer and Domestic Violence Educator, I have seen firsthand how the internet has become a powerful tool for shaping attitudes towards relationships, consent, and gender roles—often in dangerous ways. Through my work with young people, I’ve witnessed how exposure to unchecked misogynistic content is warping perspectives and fostering a culture that normalises disrespect and violence against women.
Social Media’s Role in Spreading Harmful Ideologies
The rapid rise of digital platforms has allowed toxic ideologies to spread at an alarming rate, with little oversight. While misogyny is not a new issue, its accessibility and influence have grown exponentially. Social media algorithms reinforce harmful narratives by continuously exposing users to similar content, ultimately normalising dangerous behaviours. When young men repeatedly consume content that glorifies toxic masculinity, aggression, and male entitlement over women, they risk internalising these beliefs and carrying them into adulthood.
In Adolescence, this phenomenon is illustrated when a father mentions that a search for gym content online resulted in being bombarded with misogynistic messaging. This reflects real-world concerns—social media platforms create echo chambers where harmful rhetoric is constantly reinforced. The consequences of this are evident in the increasing rates of coercive control, domestic violence, and extreme acts of aggression towards women in Australia and beyond.
How Social Media Influences Young Minds
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are powerful forces in shaping young people’s perceptions of the world. If a teenager engages with even a single piece of misogynistic content, they are likely to see more of the same. This persistent exposure desensitises young audiences, making sexist attitudes seem ordinary or even acceptable.
Adolescence highlights this troubling reality through a young boy whose behaviour is heavily influenced by his digital and social environment. Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable time—young people’s brains are still developing, making them highly susceptible to peer pressure and the desire for social acceptance. If they are surrounded by rhetoric that downplays the seriousness of harassment or violence, they may struggle to differentiate between normal behaviour and harmful attitudes.
Additionally, young people often see these behaviours modelled at home. Without intervention, these ideas become ingrained, making it crucial to introduce digital literacy and media awareness early. Teaching children to think critically about what they see online is as essential as any traditional subject. They need the skills to question and challenge harmful narratives rather than absorb them without consideration.
What Can Parents Do?
While it’s impossible to completely shield children from exposure to toxic content, parents can take proactive steps to counteract its influence. The goal isn’t to ban social media outright, but rather to create an environment where open discussions about online content and its implications are the norm. Key strategies include:
- Monitor and Discuss: Regularly check in on your child’s online activity. Instead of forbidding content, ask them about their thoughts on certain messages to encourage critical thinking.
- Delay Social Media Access: Research suggests that delaying exposure to social media can lead to better mental health outcomes. While complete avoidance may be unrealistic, minimising early exposure can reduce the likelihood of harmful influence.
- Introduce Positive Role Models: Ensure children are exposed to individuals who embody respect, emotional intelligence, and positive masculinity.
- Encourage Offline Activities: Hobbies, sports, and real-world social interactions build confidence and resilience, reducing reliance on digital validation.
- Advocate for Education: Schools should implement programs that teach healthy relationships, digital literacy, and the dangers of online radicalisation.
In Adolescence, the protagonist Jamie engages in a conversation with a psychologist about nude photos that were shared without consent. His casual attitude towards this violation underscores the urgent need for education around consent and image-based abuse. Conversations about digital ethics must start early—if kids aren’t taught these lessons at home or in school, they will learn them from the internet, where misinformation and harmful messaging thrive.
Preventing Radicalisation in Young Boys
One of the greatest concerns facing parents today is the potential for their children to be radicalised by misogynistic online influencers. These figures target impressionable audiences, drawing boys into communities that normalise violence and hostility towards women. To combat this, parents should:
- Encourage Regular Conversations: Foster open, judgement-free discussions about respect, relationships, and accountability.
- Model Respectful Behaviour: Children learn through observation. Demonstrating kindness, equality, and empathy in everyday interactions sets a powerful precedent.
- Monitor Social Circles: Be aware of who your child spends time with, both online and offline. If their peer group is heavily influenced by toxic ideologies, they are at greater risk of adopting similar attitudes.
- Promote Community Involvement: Participation in sports, arts, or mentorship programs provides young people with positive role models and reinforces healthy social norms.
Education as a Solution
Ultimately, Adolescence serves as an urgent wake-up call. It highlights the need for systemic change, including increased governmental funding for programs addressing domestic violence and toxic masculinity at their roots. We cannot afford to be reactive—we must be proactive in educating young people about respect, equality, and healthy relationships before harmful ideologies take hold.
Using media like Adolescence as a tool for discussion, parents, educators, and policymakers can work together to challenge dangerous narratives and foster a generation that rejects violence in favour of respect and emotional intelligence.
