Guidance for Parents and Professionals: Welcome to the www.manosphere.ch platform, an initiative of männer.ch
Guidance for Parents and Professionals: Welcome to the www.manosphere.ch platform, an initiative of männer.ch
Some boys are being radicalised by misogynist online subcultures like the ‘Manosphere’ and ‘incel’ (involuntarily celibate) scene. Parents are anxious and boys are confused. What’s happening, why, and what can be done?
An ABC Radio discussion exploring how emerging digital spaces, AI chatbots and online communities contribute to the spread of misogynistic attitudes and shape young men’s perceptions of relationships and masculinity.
Show open interest in your son’s online experiences. Ask him to show you what he watches and explain what he finds appealing. Avoid quick judgements. At the same time, encourage critical media use and discuss misinformation, manipulation and how algorithms function.
Ask how your son experiences his development from boyhood into manhood. Create space for him to express worries, insecurities or frustrations. Listen carefully and ask open questions such as, “Can you explain that in more detail?” or “Can you give me an example?” Avoid lecturing, comparisons, dismissive comments or premature advice.
Try to understand provocations as invitations to explore deeper themes, emotions and motivations. Create an appropriate setting for such conversations: sufficient time and calm. Avoid rigid face-to-face confrontations. Instead, talk while doing something together, such as walking, cooking, working on a project, attending a match or gaming side by side.
Observe your son carefully. Notice changes in behaviour, social circles or personality. Withdrawal, loss of interest, declining performance or striking statements may indicate distress or the influence of problematic online content.
Encourage meaningful experiences in offline contexts. Support your son in experiencing competence and self-efficacy across a range of activities and environments.
Remain warm and connected while maintaining parental authority. Agree on clear rules regarding the balance between online and offline time, and review adherence together. Structured time allowances, such as separate time budgets for gaming and social media, can be helpful. Restricting specific platforms or content may be appropriate as a last resort. In such cases, explain your reasoning transparently so your son can understand your concerns.
If you are a father, act as a role model. This is a process, not a performance. It is not about being a “perfect” man, but about actively shaping your own way of being male. Allow yourself to show uncertainty and vulnerability.
Take your own fears and concerns seriously. Seek support from others, such as teachers, other parents, family members or professionals, if you feel your son may be struggling or if you feel overwhelmed yourself.
