Mental Health Charity Highlights Dangers Of Online 'Toxic Masculinity'

Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, is raising awareness of the dangers of toxic masculinity online and urging parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children's social media use. The charity warns that online echo chambers are reinforcing harmful gender roles, normalising misogyny, and emboldening young people to engage in discriminatory, sexist and harmful behaviour.

As digital platforms become increasingly influential in shaping young minds, Turn2Me has identified six key dangers linked to toxic masculinity online:

1. Emotional Suppression – Toxic masculinity discourages young people, particularly boys, from expressing emotions like sadness or vulnerability, leading to stress, anxiety, and poor mental health outcomes.
2. Unrealistic Expectations – It pressures young people into conforming to rigid gender roles, fostering self-doubt and low self-esteem when they struggle to meet these standards.
3. Encourages Risky Behaviour – Strength is often equated with recklessness, leading young men to engage in dangerous activities and avoid seeking help for physical or mental health issues.
4. Strains Relationships – Toxic masculinity discourages empathy and emotional openness, making it difficult for young people to build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
5. Online Echo Chambers Normalise Misogyny – Social media platforms amplify harmful gender norms, reinforcing toxic beliefs and making young people more susceptible to sexist ideologies.
6. Emboldens Misogynistic Behaviour – The anonymity of online spaces emboldens some young people to engage in misogynistic harassment, creating real-world consequences for both individuals and society.

Turn2Me is cautioning parents about the growing influence of toxic online communities and encouraging them to take proactive steps in protecting their children. The charity advises parents to discourage children and teenagers from joining social media sites for as long as possible and to implement phone monitoring measures where appropriate.

“Online communities can have a significant impact on young minds, shaping their values and perceptions,” said Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me. “If toxic masculinity is left unchecked, it can negatively influence a child’s mental health, relationships, and overall worldview. Parents need to be aware of these dangers and actively guide their children toward positive, respectful, and inclusive online interactions. There is a growing trend of parents in schools across Ireland agreeing, on a school-wide basis, not to give their children smart phones. This is a brilliant idea, and with group buy-in, can help protect young people from online harms.”

Turn2Me offers free weekly support groups focused on relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. The charity also provides up to six free online counselling sessions for adults in Ireland, all available on Turn2Me.ie.