New Report: Online Environments Harm Boys' Well-being
A new report, 'Boys in the Digital Wild', by The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), reveals the extent to which online environments impact teenage boys' well-being and identity formation. The study follows previous research on teen girls' social media experiences.
The report finds that nearly all boys aged 11-17 (94%) are online daily, with 73% regularly encountering masculinity-related content. This exposure can negatively affect their self-esteem and increase feelings of loneliness. Boys with higher exposure to such content struggle more with these issues.
The messages boys encounter often revolve around making money, relationships, building muscle, or fighting. Alarmingly, more than half (54%) of boys have come across racist, homophobic, or misogynistic language online. Additionally, 91% of boys encounter body image messages, with 68% receiving them unsolicited due to algorithms pushing this content. A significant 70% of boys surveyed have witnessed online bullying or harassment.
The 'Boys in the Digital Wild' report underscores the need for better online safeguards and digital literacy education for young men. It also highlights the importance of open conversations, with 90% of boys having discussed masculinity with their parents, though only 48% found these discussions helpful. The RSPH calls for more supportive conversations and improved online environments to protect boys' well-being.
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