Parental strategies to combat the 'manosphere'

Name: Parental strategies to combat the 'manosphere'
Start: 2025-12-10T18:00:00+11:00
End: 2025-12-10T18:00:00+11:00
Location: The University of Melbourne - Shepparton Campus Lecture Theatre

About

This FREE session will be presented by Dr Stephanie Wescott, a leading researcher and expert in the impacts of the manosphere in Australian contexts, and will be designed for audience interaction and questions to support parents and carers.

From YouTube algorithms to viral TikToks, a growing wave of online influencers—often called the “manosphere”—is shaping how boys and young men think about gender, relationships, and identity. These messages, which can range from harmless self-improvement advice to deeply misogynistic ideologies, are increasingly showing up in classrooms and conversations among students.

In this talk, we’ll explore how manosphere ideas spread online, how they can influence behaviour and attitudes at school, and what parents can do to respond with empathy, awareness, and confidence. This session will offer practical strategies for fostering critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and critical digital literacy at home—so that all young people can navigate online spaces safely and thoughtfully.

This information session is offered to the Greater Shepparton City community as part of the Free from Violence Local Government Program (funded by the Victorian State Government).