Disrespect towards women does not always lead to violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespect. In Australia and around the world, attitudes towards gender are shaped from a young age, influenced by the behaviours, words, and social norms that young people are exposed to in their daily lives. While progress has been made in addressing gender-based inequality in Australia, pervasive and emerging threats—both online and offline—continue to reinforce harmful gender norms and undermine the push for true equality.
Recognising the urgent need to address these issues, the Australian Government launched the Stop it at the Start campaign, now in its fifth phase. This initiative focuses on empowering adults—including parents, teachers, and community leaders—to take the lead in talking with children about respect and gender equality. By encouraging open discussions and role-modelling positive behaviours, the campaign seeks to break the cycle of violence before it begins.
The Unseen Impact of Everyday Disrespect
Some Australians hold attitudes that contribute to a broader climate of gender inequality, and some harmful myths and stereotypes about violence against women persist. Everyday instances of gender-based disrespect and inequality—such as limiting women’s independence, dismissing women’s opinions, treating boys and girls differently based on outdated societal roles, or trivialising and normalising sexist remarks—can have profound consequences. These behaviours send implicit messages that reinforce inequality and create a permissive environment for more serious forms of mistreatment.
Young people form beliefs from the world around them. What they see in their homes, at school, among their peers, and in the media plays a critical role in shaping their understanding of gender roles and relationships. Unfortunately, harmful ideas about masculinity and femininity remain widespread, often influencing how young people perceive respect, consent, and equality.
The Digital Landscape: Shaping Young People’s Views
Social media has become one of the most powerful forces shaping young people’s views on gender. Algorithms are designed to push content that garners engagement, meaning that provocative, controversial, or extreme views can spread rapidly. While social media can be a source of education and empowerment, it is also a space where misogynistic content, harmful stereotypes, and violence-supportive attitudes can thrive. Influencers who perpetuate outdated ideas about gender, as well as seemingly harmless memes that trivialise disrespect, contribute to the normalisation of harmful beliefs.
For many parents and caregivers, navigating this digital world can feel overwhelming. Today’s young people are constantly bombarded with content that shapes their worldview. Recognising how these digital influences operate is an important step in helping young people develop critical thinking skills and reject harmful narratives about gender roles.
Breaking the Cycle: What Adults Can Do
To disrupt the cycle of disrespect and violence, it is essential that adults take an active role in challenging harmful norms. This does not mean policing every conversation or restricting access to social media but rather fostering open discussions that help young people question and challenge what they see and hear.
One of the most effective ways to address this issue is by leading by example. Adults who model respectful behaviours—whether in their interactions with family members, colleagues, or strangers—set a powerful precedent for the younger generation. Small actions, such as calling out inappropriate jokes, ensuring equal opportunities for boys and girls, and valuing women’s voices in decision-making spaces, contribute to a broader culture of respect.
In addition, education plays a critical role. The Stop it at the Start campaign website, respect.gov.au, provides several tools and resources designed to empower adults to understand the issue and start having proactive conversations with the young people in their lives. These resources include three key guides translated into 11 languages: The Issue Explained, The Hidden Trends of Disrespect Guide, and The Pocket Guide to Respectful Conversations.
The Path Forward
Addressing disrespect against women requires a collective effort. It is not solely the responsibility of parents, teachers, or policymakers—it is everyone’s responsibility and requires a whole-of-community approach. By understanding the issue, challenging harmful attitudes, and providing young people with the tools to navigate a complex world, we can work towards a future free from disrespect and violence.
Visit respect.gov.au/translated to access resources in Arabic, Filipino (Tagalog), Hazaragi, Hindi, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. By spreading awareness and taking action, we can help create a world where respect, equality, and safety are fundamental values for all.
To learn more about Stop it at the Start, visit: respect.gov.au.
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