Online Safety
Ms Smith and the Safeguarding Team have the following advice to share regarding online safety for young people:
As our children grow into the digital world, they’re not just making friends or watching funny videos—they’re also navigating an online environment that can sometimes be misleading, harmful, and even dangerous. With teenage years being a time of identity formation, teens are especially vulnerable to persuasive voices online, including those promoting toxic beliefs and behaviours.
At William Ellis we take online safety very seriously. We ensure that when pupils are using our computers, the content is filtered through our firewall which blocks any inappropriate material. When supervising pupils, teachers are asked to be vigilant when pupils are working on computers. We also digitally monitor what pupils are accessing online, or have asked to access, to ensure we can protect them as well as supporting them.
One area of continued and increasing concern is online role models who can be seen to befriend (grooming), particularly by influencers and groups spreading misogynistic content under the guise of “self-improvement” or “male empowerment”. These figures often target young boys, gradually exposing them to harmful ideas about gender roles, dominance, and relationships—sometimes leading to radical beliefs and real-world consequences.
This particular process can be seen in the Netflix series Adolescence; a powerful drama outlining how the minds of young people can fixate on issues when growing up in today’s hyper-digital world. The series shows how easily teenagers can be pulled into online spaces that blur the line between entertainment and exploitation. It also examines how platforms and algorithms often push increasingly extreme content, leading teens down dangerous rabbit holes before parents even realise what’s happening. The show particularly underscores how misogyny is repackaged in modern, persuasive ways, often targeting boys who are seeking belonging, purpose, or answers.
These “networks” often start with harmless content—fitness, motivation, money-making tips—but gradually introduce themes of control, aggression, and contempt toward women and marginalised groups. Increasingly, boys are being groomed into adopting misogynistic worldviews that alienate them from healthy relationships, emotional expression, and respectful behaviour. This can have long-term effects on mental health, school performance, and peer relationships—not to mention the safety and wellbeing of others.
What to be mindful of or watch out for
- Drastic changes in language or beliefs about women, dating, or gender roles.
- Frequent references to “red pill” culture, “alpha males,” or influencers like Andrew Tate.
- Increased secrecy around online activity or use of anonymous platforms like Discord, Reddit, or Telegram.
- Aggressive attitudes or new online “friendships” with older individuals encouraging these views.
How You Can Help
- Talk regularly and openly with your son about what they see online. Ask questions without judgment.
- Educate yourself on the platforms and figures they follow. Curiosity—not confrontation—builds trust.
- Set boundaries on screen time and online interactions, especially with strangers or unverified influencers.
- Promote critical thinking: Encourage them to ask “Who is benefiting from this message?” and “Is this respectful to everyone?”
- Report and block harmful content on platforms they use, and show them how to do the same.
Keep the Conversation Going
Our role as adults is not to ban everything, but to guide and empower our teens to navigate the online world with confidence and integrity.
Together, we can raise a generation that’s not just tech-savvy, but also compassionate, critical, and kind.
If you have any concerns, please contact your son’s tutor or Head of Year in the first instance.
The safeguarding team is always available for support and guidance too.
