How to speak to children and young people about toxic views online

Psychologists working with young people, and in schools, have warned that youngsters who lack self-confidence, or who are lonely and isolated, are at particular risk of being drawn to influencers with toxic views.

The warning follows the popularity of the Netflix show Adolescence, where teenager Jamie is accused of murder after being negatively influenced by harmful content on social media. In addition, former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has described of the risk of "callous toxic influencers" towards young men. 

Psychologists from the British Psychological Society have stressed the potentially damaging effects on children and young people of viewing harmful information 'pushed' their way. They highlight that some children are at risk of believing that the content is personalised to them as it echoes certain messages already in existence in a young person's life. It also risks giving them a sense of belonging and connection. 

Professor Vivian Hill from the British Psychological Society's Division of Education and Child Psychology said: 

"Young people may feel less inhibited online; writing things that they wouldn't say to someone in person. It almost defuses the sense of responsibility for one's words, there is no social mediation, no checks, or balances and often little ownership of one's contributions. 

"Young people can be drawn into a vortex of questionable norms of behaviour and language to fit into the rather distorted culture and sense of reality portrayed by social media. Adolescents may want to be seen to be fitting into these versions of reality. There are few reality checks, as adolescents are distancing themselves from their parents and aligning with peers online, there are few opportunities to step back and question the reality of what algorithms bombard them with and present as reality.

"Schools must play an important role in facilitating adolescents in engaging in healthy discussion, reflection and debate about things they are exposed to on social media, helping them make sense of, and reason through their position."

Clinical psychologist, CEO of youth mental health charity stem4 and Chartered member of the British Psychological Society Dr Nihara Krause added:

"Young people may feel fear, shame and worry about blame after seeing distressing and toxic content being pushed at them by algorithms. It may make them feel nervous every time they go online, or they may be constantly thinking about something they have seen. However, despite these worrying issues there are things that teachers can do to support children, and for children and young people to do to help themselves."

How can teachers and parents support children who view this content online?

• Parents and carers and teachers need to be aware of the emotional impact on young people of comments addressing group culture that might see perpetrators of these as 'funny' or 'strong.'
• Encourage debate about the impact of belittling, degrading or sexualising others and about vulnerability as a strength.
• Help young people to be able to speak up rather than be silent. Discuss how peer pressure works and what fears people have about opposing a group view as well as how they can stand up for themselves.
• Schools should provide targeted learning for those most at risk of being drawn to influencers.

How can young people keep themselves safe from this content online?

• Notice how information that's pushed at you affects you. Make a note of it and acknowledge the negative impact it might be having.
• Train yourself to be more careful online. Check what you click on, positive over negative, non-sensational over sensational, for example.
• Have some self-care strategies. For example, click on some positive content to encourage algorithms to push more positive information your way, have a break, speak to someone who can support you.