Netflix’ new crime-drama, Adolescence, has had viewers instantly hooked. From the question of Jamie’s innocence to the way each episode was filmed–in one long, continuous shot–to pull you in, the show has audiences gripped. What viewers have found truly disturbing is the exploration of manosphere and its impact on young minds.
Despite the show being based in and linked to true stories in the UK, the relevancy of the alarming views on gender disparity and toxic masculinity are an issue experts see here in Australia, too.
According to research commissioned by Tomorrow Woman, hypermasculine behaviour in Australian highschools are not only prevalent but deeply concerning. The study found that one in four female high schoolers felt unsafe around their male peers with 10 percent going as far as to carry a weapon in case of a need to defend themselves. A further 22 percent had experienced physical violence and 21 percent sexual abuse by male peers.
“We are seeing the impacts of the manosphere here in Australia. Many young men are confused about what it means to be a man in 2025 and so they go looking for guidance on the internet, which is a space filled with mixed messages that can be both empowering and dangerously toxic,” Paige Campbell, Co-Founder & CEO, Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman tells marie claire Australia.
Campbell does however add that “this way of thinking is not true for all young men.”
The workshops runs by Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman in highschools work aim to “re-define a healthier version of masculinity” as well as empower women, so they see first-hand the attitudes and experiences of young Australians relating to incels and the mansophere.
The Manosphere Is An Issue For Australian Boys
Campbell isn’t surprised that so many viewers are rapt with Adolescence, noting the insurmountable impact social media is having on children like we see in the show, is as daunting as it is relatable.
“We are only now learning some of the darker sides of what our young people are being exposed to – the manosphere being one of them – and Adolescence captures the worst of any parent’s fears around the influence in this space,” she explains.
“The evolution of gender roles has left many young people, especially young men, feeling confused and lost. While the waves of feminism have made some progress in improving the lives of women, masculinity has not kept pace.
“As a result, they are turning to online communities that offer an attractive, but ultimately harmful, path to success.”
What Is An Incel?
One of the key topics Adolescence explores is the tie between the manosphere and an incel. But, what exactly is an incel?
“An incel – an ‘involuntary celibate’ – is typically a male frustrated by their lack of intimate relationships and sexual experiences,” Campbell explains. “They often view women as objects, and perpetuate harmful behaviour including violence against women. They are driven by deep resentment and entitlement and are usually fueled by online communities that reinforce these beliefs.”
Warning Signs For Parents
One of the biggest fears as a parent, clearly echoed in Adolescence, is the inability to completely monitor or filter the content children are seeing, searching or being sent online. There are, however, warning signs you can look out for if you believe your child may be accessing similarly concerning content.
“As parents, the challenge is no longer just about knowing who our kids are spending time with, but also understanding what and who is shaping their worldview in the digital space,” Campbell says.
She advises to look out for “reluctance to share or talk about their online activity, increased use of misogynistic language, increased disrespect towards women and changes in beliefs about women.”
You can find helpful resources at respect.gov.au
Since their inception, Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman have impacted over 177k men and 86k women. For more info on their work, head to their websites.
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