The manosphere: A co-parents’ guide to supporting boys after Louis Theroux’s documentary

Louis Theroux’s 2026 Netflix documentary ‘Inside the Manosphere’ has sparked concern among UK parents about online misogyny reaching boys and teens through social media. This can be particularly concerning for single parents or co-parents who are caring for children across two households.

Separated and divorcing parents can play a powerful role by presenting united, healthy models of masculinity across both homes. Practical steps include understanding what your child sees online, having calm conversations and agreeing joint boundaries on screen time and respectful language.

Watch for signs like new dismissive attitudes toward women, withdrawal from friends or repeating influencer phrases – these are signals to get curious and connected, not to panic or punish.

Support is available through amicable’s Separating with Children Service, our free Parenting Plan ebook and co-parenting app if online influences are something you’re concerned about.

Anthony Syder, Co-parenting Specialist at amicable, has seen the impact first-hand:

‘Since the Louis Theroux documentary aired, it's come up in almost every Separating with Children Session I've run. It's making parents think carefully about what their children are watching online – and increasingly, those conversations are making their way into parenting plans, whether that's specific screen time, social media agreements or broader goals around reducing exposure to harmful content.’

What is the manosphere?

The manosphere refers to a growing ultra-masculine network of websites, forums and social media influencers promoting rigid ideals about what it means to be a man. These communities often frame their ideas in opposition to feminism and progressive views on gender, using language about dominance and female manipulation.

Key communities within this space include Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs), involuntary celibates (incels), MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way), pick-up artists and prominent figures like Andrew Tate who blend gym culture with anti-feminist content. The phrase ‘red pill’ – borrowed from The Matrix film – describes what followers see as an awakening to supposed truths about gender dynamics.

Who is Andrew Tate?

Louis Theroux’s 2026 Netflix documentary ‘Inside the Manosphere’ brought this world into mainstream awareness. The film follows UK and US influencers including 23-year-old British TikToker Harrison Sullivan (HSTikkyTokky), who attracts millions of young followers with content boasting about sexual prowess and casual misogyny. Theroux also profiles streamer Sneako, known for rants against feminism.

Many boys first encounter this content through TikTok, YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels.

The entry points often look harmless – gym motivation, money tips or memes – before algorithms gradually introduce them to more extreme ideas. A 2023 study found manosphere content had been viewed over 2.7 billion times on TikTok, primarily by boys aged 13-17. Content telling young men they need to look a certain way to command respect from women is widespread, and for boys who are already feeling insecure or overlooked, this can be a compelling but damaging message.

Why should co-parents talk about this now?

For separated parents, this creates particular challenges. Inconsistent messages across two homes can amplify exposure. Conflict between parents about what’s appropriate can leave boys feeling caught in the middle - and even complex sibling dynamics can cause younger children to be exposed to these messages. While there’s no need for panic, research does link misogynistic content to real-world attitudes toward girls, sisters, mums and future partners.

If you’re a separated dad who is becoming more aware of these issues, we have a complete guide to divorce and separation for fathers to support you through this transition and model positive behaviours for your children.

How can the manosphere affect boys and teens?

UK school reports from 2022-2025 and Ofsted inspections have documented rising sexism among boys. Misogynistic attitudes and behaviours are prevalent among young people, especially in online and school environments, with 42% of children aged 9–16 holding neutral or favourable views of Tate, and older boys particularly influenced.

Signs to watch for include:

• Emotional impact: Black-and-white ‘men vs women’ thinking, shame and anxiety about appearance, money or sexual experience
• Relational impact: New disrespectful behaviour toward mums, sisters or step-parents that could include repeating influencer phrases, or minimising consent and boundaries
• Impact in separated families: Boys blaming one parent for divorce, siding with the parent perceived as more ‘no nonsense’, or echoing online narratives about exes
• Risk of isolation: Withdrawing from offline friends, spending hours alone online or becoming defensive if challenged about who they follow If you’ve noticed these patterns, see them as signs to get curious and connected rather than immediately punish or ban. Keeping communication open is essential and using credible resources to stay informed can help you feel supported.

The good news is that co-parents are well placed to provide exactly the counterweight boys need.

How can co-parents model positive masculinity?

Co-parenting after separation can be hard, but boys need to see both adults handling disagreement respectfully. This models something more powerful than any influencer – that men can be strong while also being kind, accountable and emotionally present.

Agree shared values across homes

Focus on respect for everyone, consent, equality and accountability – even if day-to-day rules differ between households.

Model healthy masculinity

Dads can show emotional openness, apologise when wrong and share care work. Mums feel they can set firm boundaries without being framed as ‘nagging’.

Avoid bad-mouthing

Criticising an ex-partner in front of children can reinforce manosphere ideas that ‘women are the problem’ or ‘dads are the victims’.

Show visible cooperation

Both parents attending school meetings, jointly backing consequences for sexist behaviour and using consistent language about respect.

If you’re struggling to find ways to work together, amicable can help you agree on a co-parenting approach that supports your family and keeps things consistent between households.

How can I understand what my child is watching online?

You don’t need to be a tech expert, but having a basic understanding of the online platforms your son uses – and what to look for – means you can act early and calmly if something concerns you.

Map his digital world

Ask calmly which apps he uses (TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Snapchat), what he enjoys (gaming, gym content, business advice) and who his favourite creators are. You can find support for online safety from NSPCC

Take practical steps

If it comes up naturally in conversation, ask to see what your son is subscribing to on social media - his followed accounts and what his feed looks like.

Know the red flags

This includes creators mocking women, talking about ‘red pill/blue pill’, ranking men based on phrases like ‘alpha’ or ‘beta’, blaming feminism for everything or dismissing consent.

Balance privacy and trust

More oversight may be needed for children around ages 11-13, whereas you may benefit from a more collaborative approach at ages 14-17. Both parents should set similar expectations around devices and screentime.

Encourage co-parents to share observations with each other – screen-time patterns, new phrases – in a neutral, non-blaming way via email, regular conversations or using a co-parenting app.

How to talk to your teen

Understanding what your son is watching is one thing. Talking to him about it is where the real work happens. The best conversations are ongoing, not one-off lectures.

Both parents can have separate but aligned conversations. The goal is to listen first, be curious and challenge gently, not to deliver a verdict.

1. Start gently

Use Louis Theroux’s documentary, a news story or a school incident as a neutral starting point. 'What do you think about that?'

2. Ask open questions

'What do you like about that creator?', 'How does their content make you feel?', 'Do your friends watch similar things?' This allows him to talk openly, instead of a simple yes or no which can shut down conversation.

3. Validate underlying needs

The appeal often relates to belonging, guidance, money worries or feeling left behind. Acknowledge these while clearly challenging harmful ideas.

4. Teach critical thinking

Help him spot exaggeration, clickbait and who profits from courses. Compare what influencers say with real-life examples in your family and community.

5. Stay calm if you hear something that concerns you

Take a breath, avoid sarcasm or shaming. Try: 'I see why that might sound convincing – can I share a different angle?'

6. Don't expect one conversation to do everything

What you're building is trust over time. Even if he doesn't engage much now, he'll remember that you approached it without anger or judgment – and that matters.

If conversations feel stuck, consider joint sessions with a school counsellor, youth worker or amicable Co-parenting Specialist where conflict is tied to separation.

How can I support my son’s mental health?

Manosphere messages about 'never show weakness' are contributing to rising concerns about boys’ mental health. The most important thing to know is that parents can make a meaningful difference – and the steps are more straightforward than they might feel.

Normalise feelings

Parents naming their own emotions (‘I felt scared and disappointed’) shows that asking for help is a strength, not a failure.

Provide safe outlets

Encourage sport, creative hobbies, youth clubs and in-person friendships to reduce reliance on online validation.

Acknowledge separated-home stress

Boys navigating life across two homes often have bigger questions about identity and belonging – which is exactly why these conversations matter. Manosphere narratives can fill the gap if parents don’t talk openly.

Know when to seek help

NHS data shows boys' mental health referrals have risen significantly in recent years, correlating with anxiety, self-harm and school refusal. If you see persistent withdrawal, anger or glorification of violence, consider speaking to your GP, school counsellor or CAMHS.

How can amicable help separating parents?

Guidance during separation

amicable Co-parenting Specialists can help co-parents talk through concerns about their sons’ online life and agree shared approaches.

Parenting plans

Use amicable’s Parenting Plan template to record agreements on screen time, social media, language standards and responses to misogynistic behaviour.

Resources

Explore amicable’s co-parenting blogs, podcasts and toolsto support you with talking to children about gender, consent and online safety.

Practical next steps

Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how your separation or co-parenting arrangement may be affecting your child.

FAQs about the manosphere

How do I know if my son’s interest in the manosphere is normal curiosity or something more serious?

Many boys briefly encounter or even parody manosphere content. Red flags include sudden contempt for women, obsession with one influencer, secrecy and withdrawal from offline life. Track changes over several weeks rather than making snap judgments. Seek professional advice from your GP, school or youth services if you see escalating hatred, talk of violence or refusal to accept basic equality and consent.

What if my co-parent doesn’t think this is a problem, or actively supports manosphere views?

Share evidence calmly – school letters, the report from Ofsted, clips from the Theroux documentary – rather than attacking their beliefs. Focus discussions on your child’s wellbeing, school behaviour and relationships, not on who’s ‘right’ about gender politics. You may need to seek further support from experts if you feel unable to handle this in a constructive way.

Should I ban certain influencers or apps outright?

Outright bans may be necessary for younger kids or very harmful content, but for teens they can drive viewing underground and damage trust. A mixed approach often works best: age-based limits, content filters and clear reasons for banning specific creators who promote violence or abuse, combined with open discussion. Whatever you decide works best if both homes apply similar rules.

How can schools and other adults support my child around these issues?

Talk to form tutors, safeguarding leads or heads of year if you’re worried, sharing concrete examples of language or behaviour. Many schools in the UK now include online misogyny and consent in PSHE/RSE education, and can offer workshops, mentoring or referrals. Positive male role models outside the family – a coach, teacher or relative who demonstrates respectful, emotionally aware masculinity – can be a real gift to a young person struggling with these ideas.

Does any of this affect my legal arrangements or court orders?

General concern about online influences usually doesn’t change child arrangements. However, serious patterns of misogyny, threats or abuse might become safeguarding issues. Keep factual records of incidents and seek early legal or professional advice.