Boys, Brands & Big Tech: The Hidden Influencers Raising Our Sons
🚨 How Big Tech & Brands Are Targeting Boys — And Why It Matters 🎮 1. Gaming Skins = Social Currency In Fortnite, Roblox, and similar platforms, boys are encouraged to spend money on digital “skins” and upgrades that have zero functional purpose — but huge social value. The message? You need this to fit in. 💪 2. Supplements & “Alpha” Culture Teen boys (and even tweens) are being served content on protein powders, pre-workouts, and “bulking” — often laced with toxic masculinity messaging. They’re learning that muscles = worth. Insecurity is now a revenue stream. 🧢 3. Hyper-Masculine Influencers From TikTok to YouTube, many boys are exposed to influencers promoting “toughness,” emotional repression, and dominance — masked as “confidence.” Some even veer into misogyny and red-pill ideology — all under the guise of self-improvement. 📱 4. YouTube Ads & Algorithm Bait Boys watching innocent Minecraft or football videos often get fed ads for “cool” gear, competitive challenges, or status-driven products — from branded trainers to energy drinks. It’s aspirational marketing disguised as entertainment. 🕶️ 5. Digital Gear & Tech Fetishisation Smartwatches, gamer headsets, LED room lights, VR sets — marketed as essentials for being “in the know” or a better gamer. Big Tech sells boys the idea that more tech = more status. These patterns show that boys, like girls, are being nudged towards narrow definitions of success, confidence, and self-worth — shaped not by character but by commerce. Here are five conversation-starting scripts for parents to use with boys (or any child really) to gently explore the influence of Big Tech, marketing, and digital identity — in your warm, curious tone that invites reflection, not fear or shame. 🧠 1. The “Why Do You Want It?” Script “That new skin looks cool — what makes it special to you?”(Pause and listen)“Do you think it’s about how it helps in the game, or how it looks to others?” ➡️ This script encourages kids to explore the difference between play and social pressure. 📺 2. The “Who’s Behind the Screen?” Script “You know how some YouTubers always have the latest gear or protein drinks?”“What do you think — are they showing you something because they love it, or because someone’s paying them to?” ➡️ This opens the door to digital literacy and decoding influencer culture. 🎯 3. The “Real Strength” Script “Some people online talk a lot about being ‘alpha’ or strong. What do you think makes someone strong?”(Let them speak — then gently offer alternatives)“I think being kind, calm, and brave in tough moments is a kind of strength too.” ➡️ This helps shift strength from image to values. 👟 4. The “Stuff or Self?” Script “Do you think you’d still be you if you didn’t have that skin/trainer/tech?”“What are the things about you that no one can buy or sell?” ➡️ This builds identity beyond possessions or avatars. 🧍♂️ 5. The “Pressure Check-In” Script “Do you ever feel like you have to look or act a certain way to fit in online or at school?”(If they say yes, stay open and curious)“That’s really normal — want to talk about it more together?” ➡️ This opens space for vulnerability and connection. In the end, the real power lies with us as parents. While Big Tech and the marketing machine may seem like forces too large to fight, we have the ability to guide our children with intention, compassion, and awareness. By staying engaged, asking questions, and teaching them the value of self-worth beyond likes, skins, or ads, we can give our children the tools to navigate this digital jungle with confidence. Let’s not allow tech giants to define who our children are or who they should become. Instead, let’s take control and raise a generation grounded in authenticity, kindness, and resilience.
Is This the Most Terrifying TV Drama of Our Times?
Is This the Wake-Up Call Parents Have Been Waiting For? ‘Adolescence’ the harrowing, thought provoking drama that will horrify parents. If you have children of a certain age, on the precipice of getting their own phones, this will be particularly hard to watch & maybe your final wake up call to delay giving your child a smartphone, hold off on social media, and insist on staying actively involved in their online world as well as starting those crucial and vitally important conversations early – guiding them every step of the way. Adolescence is a harrowing and essential piece of drama that every parent, teacher, policymaker, and community member should watch. Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham have crafted a story that doesn’t just unfold — it confronts. The dazzling performances draw you in, but it’s the devastating questions the drama raises that stay with you long after the credits have finished. It sheds light on the dark realities of incel culture, misogyny, and the online influences shaping young boys, making it a powerful catalyst for urgent conversations about violence, vulnerability, and the role society plays in guiding its youth. Drama like this opens up much-needed conversations about knife crime, toxic masculinity, and the role the internet plays in shaping young minds. After watching Adolescence, perhaps we all need to take meaningful steps to address these complex issues within our own family. I always feel compelled to be practical so here are some practical actions you can take: 1. Start Open Conversations 2. Educate Yourself and Your Teens 3. Monitor and Guide Online Activity 4. Model Healthy Relationships 5. Encourage Critical Thinking 6. Build Coping Strategies and Resilience 7. Know the Warning Signs 8. Foster a Culture of Compassion Here are some conversation scripts that might help you start those important much needed conversations ‘’What did you think?” Parent: “That was pretty intense. I’m still processing it. What did you think about the story?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “Yeah, I felt the same. It made me wonder how someone could get pulled into that kind of thinking. Do you think that happens a lot with people your age? 2. “Have you seen this online?” Parent: “The stuff about online groups really got me thinking. Have you ever seen anything like that — people saying extreme things or blaming women for their problems?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It’s kind of scary how easy it is to stumble across that. Do you think most people recognise it for what it is, or does it slowly influence them?” 3. “Why do you think that happened?” Parent: “I keep thinking about Jamie and what led him down that path. Do you think things could have turned out differently if someone had reached out sooner?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It makes me wonder if some kids feel like they don’t have anyone to talk to when they’re struggling. What do you think schools or families could do differently?” 4. “What would you do?” Parent: “If you ever noticed a friend getting caught up in that kind of stuff — like becoming angry, isolated, or talking about extreme ideas — what do you think you’d do?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “I know those situations can be tough to handle alone. You know you can always talk to me, right? I’d never judge, just listen.” 5. “How does it feel being a teenager today?” Parent: “Watching that made me realise things might be different for teens now than when I was younger. Do you feel like there’s a lot of pressure to fit in or act a certain way online?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “I imagine it’s hard to know what’s real when everyone is posting their ‘perfect’ life. How do you handle that pressure?” 6. “Let’s talk about what’s out there.” Parent: “You know, the internet can be amazing, but it also has some dark corners. Do you feel like you can spot when something is trying to manipulate or influence you?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “It’s not always obvious, is it? If you ever come across anything that feels off — weird messages, extreme ideas, or even people pushing certain beliefs — you can always talk to me about it.” 7. “What do you wish adults understood?” Parent: “One thing that hit me is how much adults don’t always see what’s really going on with teens. If there was one thing you wish adults understood better about being your age, what would it be?” Teen: (Responds) Parent: “That makes sense. I want to understand, so if you ever feel like I’m missing something, just tell me. I’m here to listen.” Adolescence is more than just a drama — it’s a wake-up call. It holds up a mirror to the dark corners of the internet and the quiet struggles young people face, reminding us that these issues aren’t happening in some distant place — they’re unfolding in our homes, schools, and communities. As parents, teachers, and mentors, we have a responsibility to step in, start the difficult conversations, and be the steady presence our teens need. The digital world is vast, and without guidance, it can become a breeding ground for anger, isolation, and dangerous ideologies. But connection is the antidote. When we listen without judgment, model empathy, and create safe spaces for open dialogue, we empower our young people to navigate these challenges with resilience and compassion. No family is immune, and no conversation is too small. The most powerful thing we can do is show up — again and again — ready to listen, to learn, and to walk alongside our children as they grow. Adolescence is set to be a cultural touchpoint for young masculinity for years to come. What an astonishing thing these writers and actors have made. The arrival of this drama is a moment that demands attention. It has the potential to achieve the same cultural impact as Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the ITV drama that brought a national scandal to light and pushed it to
