A therapist says parents can keep boys out of the toxic online "manosphere" by talking early and often about emotions, masculinity, and media, instead of waiting until there is a crisis.
In her new book "Breaking the Boy Code: The New Playbook for Raising Resilient Boys," psychotherapist Dr. Katie Hurley describes how boys are pulled into a web of influencers who sell rigid, aggressive versions of masculinity as a path to success and belonging.
She writes that content often starts out looking like harmless self‑improvement, then gradually adds misogynistic and even racist ideas, wrapped in the language of "science" and "research."
What is the 'Manosphere?'
The manosphere also pushes paid courses, supplements, and betting or trading apps, turning boys' insecurity into profit while reinforcing narrow ideas about what it means to be a "real man," according to CNN.
Experts say many boys are not looking for misogyny but for answers to feelings of loneliness, confusion, and low self‑worth. They may struggle to talk about emotions at home or at school, where stereotypes still tell boys to be tough, hide sadness, and never show fear.
The manosphere offers simple rules and a strong identity, which can feel comforting when boys do not have other spaces to be heard. Over time, however, these messages can normalise contempt for women, rigid gender roles, and hostility toward anyone who does not fit the script.
Therapists and child‑protection groups stress that the answer is not only stricter control, but a closer connection, Parent Line reported. They recommend that parents:
- Start conversations with curiosity, not panic, asking what boys watch online and what they think about those messages.
- Make time and space for boys to talk about feelings, and explain that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Model healthy masculinity by showing affection, apologising when wrong, and speaking respectfully about women and girls.
- Limit unsupervised late‑night scrolling, keeping devices in shared areas instead of alone in bedrooms where algorithm‑driven feeds can escalate quickly.
Dr. Hurley and other experts also urge parents to expose boys to positive male role models in real life, such as coaches, teachers, relatives, or community leaders who show empathy and respect. Everyday moments—like car rides, walks, or dinner—can be used to discuss friendships, consent, and how to spot misinformation online.
Specialists say parents should name the manosphere and explain how its creators use fear, shame, and half‑truths to keep boys engaged. They suggest helping boys question claims that all women are untrustworthy or that violence and dominance are the only paths to manhood.
By building critical thinking, strong emotional skills, and trusting relationships at home, experts believe families can give boys what the manosphere only pretends to offer: a sense of value, belonging, and a future that is not built on hate, as per Psychology Today.
