Nearly a year ago, the Netflix series Adolescence sparked widespread conversation about the pressures facing young people today, particularly the impact of online misogyny and harmful content.
For a time, the issue felt impossible to ignore. But as public attention shifted, so too did the urgency of the conversation. The reality for young people, however, has not changed.
Social media, group chats and online forums continue to shape how young people understand relationships, boundaries and identity – often in ways that are subtle, complex and difficult for adults to fully grasp. Long before schools or parents are aware, these influences can begin to shape attitudes and behaviour in very real ways. This is something I see first-hand.
February 10 marked Safer Internet Day, prompting organisations such as Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) to ask whether we are doing enough to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate the pressures of the online world – and if not, what more can be done.
At JWA, we see how online culture influences young people’s understanding of relationships. Education is key – not only in supporting individuals, but in shaping a healthier culture across our community.
Over the last year, we have reached more young people and teachers than ever before through our work in Jewish schools. Many young people are increasingly able to recognise and challenge the language of openly misogynistic influencers. But it is often the more subtle, discreet messages embedded within mainstream influencer content that can be just as harmful. Trends such as so-called “Gym Tok” promote narrow ideas of masculinity – telling boys they must be strong, dominant or emotionally closed off to be a “real man”, often tying self-worth to physical performance or status, while portraying girls as possessions or conquests. What may begin as a joke or passing comment, can, over time, become normalised within friendship groups.
From our work in schools, we see how harmful language, sexist jokes or whatever happens to be trending on young people’s newsfeeds can directly affect their real-world relationships. It is not always about extreme cases, but about the everyday normalisation of attitudes that diminish respect, empathy and equality. This is why prevention education matters.
As a community, one of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming that these issues exist out there’ and not within our own community
At JWA, we believe that education can open meaningful spaces for young people to think critically about what they see online, explore the world around them, and develop the confidence and skills to challenge harmful content. We were delighted to see the updated statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), which will come into effect from September 2026. The guidance places greater emphasis on tackling misogyny, challenging harmful online content, and supporting pupils to process what they encounter online. Crucially, it recognises that this work cannot be delivered through isolated lessons alone, but requires a more holistic, whole-school approach – something we at JWA have been working on for the last five years. Everyone within a school community has a role to play – not only those teaching RSHE. At JWA, we work closely with Jewish schools to help them meet curriculum requirements while maintaining their religious ethos and upholding Jewish values. Our whole-school approach works with staff, students and parents, alongside bespoke peer leadership programmes. Increasingly, we hear from teachers and parents who are concerned but unsure how best to address issues such as misogynistic language, online trends or the content their children are consuming.
Our workshops for parents offer practical tools, resources and guidance to help them support young people as they navigate online influences and relationships. As a community, one of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming that these issues exist “out there” and not within our own community. One in three women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and the Jewish community is no different.
To reduce those figures, we must prevent the normalisation of harmful language and toxic behaviour long before it escalates – including the behaviour that begins behind a screen.
This year, let’s commit to genuine curiosity about what our young people are being exposed to online. Let’s take the time to listen, to ask questions, and to stay engaged. And let’s ensure that the voices shaping our children’s values are grounded not in online trends, but in respect, responsibility and care for one another.
Ilana Hutchinson is co-director of outreach and prevention at Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA)
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