Experts are warning parents to watch for early signs that boys may be drawn into the online “manosphere,” a subculture associated with misogynistic views and rigid ideas of masculinity.
Parents cautioned as teens are drawn into the manosphere, a rigid masculinity subculture
The trend, which exists largely online, is being driven by influencers such as Andrew Tate, HSTikkyTokky and Myron Gaines, whose content reaches millions of young men and teenagers.
Louis Theroux’s new Netflix documentary highlights how the movement is increasingly popular among teens, raising concerns about the messages they are absorbing.
Rachel Schofield, a parenting coach and family therapist, told Yahoo Lifestyle there is one early warning sign parents might easily overlook.
She said: “Parents say to me, ‘Oh, my teenager is really interested in investing money’, and they’ll be pleased about that because it sounds sensible.
“But for me, it can be a bit of a red flag. I wonder where that’s coming from, and whether this teen is in that manosphere realm and getting influenced.”
Schofield explained that seemingly harmless interests, such as finance, self-improvement, or online debates about gender roles, can sometimes act as gateways into the manosphere.
While these topics may appear normal, she urged parents to be aware of the wider context of what their children are consuming online.
The manosphere encompasses a variety of groups and beliefs, but it is often linked by misogyny and a narrow, rigid view of masculinity.
Experts warn that early exposure can influence attitudes, behaviours, and social interactions, particularly during adolescence when young people are forming their identities.
Schofield advised parents to engage in open conversations, monitor online content without policing, and encourage critical thinking.
She said that early awareness and communication are key tools for preventing teens from being swept up in harmful online subcultures.
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