While much of the conversation rightly focuses on the pressure social media puts on girls, it’s crucial not to leave boys out of the picture — because they’re not just observers, they’re part of the digital ecosystem too.
👀 Boys are watching, liking, sharing, commenting.
They’re often the audience for the content girls post — and their reactions can either fuel the pressure or help change the culture. Boys can be both consumers and contributors to unrealistic standards and objectification online.
💬 What can we do as parents of boys?
Teach empathy and media literacy early
Help boys understand how social media can distort reality — not just for them, but for their female peers. Talk about filters, likes, influencers, and how curated it all is.
“Do you think that post shows real life? What might be happening behind the scenes?”
Talk about respect, consent, and kindness online
This includes how they talk about girls, how they respond to posts, and how they treat others in group chats or DMs.
“How would you feel if someone said that about your sister or your friend?”
Challenge “locker room” culture
Help them question toxic norms like rating girls, sharing private images, or making appearance-based jokes. Boys often go along with this for approval — but they need to know it’s okay to step out.
Encourage emotional expression
Boys also suffer in silence. They’re often told to “man up” or suppress feelings, which can lead to internalised pressure, shame, or unhealthy digital habits (e.g., hiding behind gaming or consuming harmful content).
Create a home culture where talking about feelings — and respecting others’ — is normal and encouraged.
Model what healthy masculinity looks like
Let them see dads, uncles, teachers, and male role models talk kindly about women, own their mistakes, and show emotional maturity.
💡 In Short:
Boys play a crucial role in either reinforcing or reshaping the digital norms that hurt girls — and themselves. As parents, we can raise boys who are not just kind and confident, but also aware, compassionate, and brave enough to challenge the crowd.
