The majority of boys aged 11-14 are exposed to online content that promotes misogyny and other harmful views, according to the research.
A new study commissioned by Vodafone for Safer Internet Day revealed that 69% of boys encountered posts that encouraged misogyny, and 70% of teachers saw an increase in sexist language in the classroom last year.
42 percent of parents said they had heard their son make inappropriate comments because of things they saw online; these included sexual, violent or derogatory comments about women and girls.
The study warned that AI-powered algorithms sending content to boys online are a key part of the problem; research has shown that such content is often seen when users are searching for other innocuous material, such as fitness or gaming content.
The research involved a survey by Opinium of 1,000 parents and boys aged 11-14, as well as more than 4,000 teachers.
Vodafone and children’s charity NSPCC have created a new online toolkit with children and parents to support families in talking about online safety.
The mobile operator has also launched a campaign alongside its Global Action Plan calling for new online security regulator Ofcom to prioritize “security by design” as it begins implementing the Online Safety Act.
Nicki Lyons, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Vodafone UK, said: “Every parent knows that being online is part of everyday life for today’s children, but it’s imperative that we don’t miss the AI boat when it comes to cooking safely is the beginning of the journey.
“We have chosen this Safer Internet Day to raise awareness of this issue and support the Global Action Plan in calling for a safer internet. We’ve also created a new toolset in partnership with the NSPCC to help parents navigate the online world. “We have been active in the digital parenting space for 14 years and are committed to doing more in the future.”
Vodafone’s research comes as another study conducted by University College London (UCL), the University of Kent and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) also found that social media algorithms are amplifying misogynistic content aimed at young people.
Through interviews with teens and school leaders, researchers also found that hateful ideologies and misogynistic tropes move offline, into schools, and become embedded in youth culture.
Dr Kaitlyn Regehr, the study’s lead researcher, said “algorithmic processes” on social media sites “target people’s vulnerabilities” and “gamify harmful content”.
“When young people microdose issues like self-harm or extremism, it feels like entertainment to them,” he said.
“Harmful views and tropes are now becoming normalized among young people. Online consumption is influencing young people’s offline behavior as we see these ideologies move from screens to schoolyards.
“Furthermore, adults are often unaware of how harmful algorithmic processes operate or how they may be feeding their own social media addictions, making it difficult to parent on these issues.”
Over the weekend, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey called for social media apps to be banned on smartphones for those under 16 and to flag searches for inappropriate material to parents.
One of Brianna’s killers, Scarlett Jenkinson, who was 15 years old at the time of the murder, had watched videos of torture and murder on the internet.
New research from the UK Safer Internet Center has found that nearly three quarters (74%) of parents and carers have concerns about safety as advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and new social media apps accelerate.
But NSPCC chief executive Sir Peter Wanless said it was important that young people were given a say in online safety, as well as support for parents.
“We are delighted to support Safer Internet Day again this year and recognize its importance in raising awareness of a safer internet for young people and encouraging everyone to do their part,” he said.
“Today’s children are the first generation to grow up truly online, but decisions about the online world are still being made without them.
“While technology is more popular than ever, avoiding online harm has become more complex. This year’s theme, Teens Inspiring Change, highlights the importance of adults listening to and acting on children’s valuable insights and expertise.”
“If we are to ensure every child is safe online then we need to give children a say in what that safety looks like for them.
“Across our own work at the NSPCC, we are committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of children and young people to help them stay safe online.”
Vodafone and the NSPCC’s toolkit for families can be found at https://vodafone.co.uk/digitalparenting.