Researchers from Monash University and Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) have released a new guide aimed at helping secondary schools respond to the growing influence of the “manosphere” and its impact on students and school communities.
The resource, The Manosphere: Impacts for Young People, Teachers and Schools, provides educators with an overview of the online networks often referred to as the manosphere and outlines how these spaces can shape attitudes among young people. It includes information on common beliefs associated with the movement, links to gender-based violence, pathways through which boys and young men are drawn into these spaces, and the role of social media in amplifying such content.
The guide also offers practical advice for teachers and school staff on recognising these influences and responding to them in classrooms and school settings.
Lead researcher Dr Naomi Pfitzner, Director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Hub, said the resource was developed after educators reported encountering these issues regularly.
“Students and teachers are telling us they are seeing these harmful ideologies and behaviours show up in classrooms every day,” Dr Pfitzner said.
She said the guide aims to give schools a starting point for discussing these issues with students.
“This guide gives schools a clear, evidence-based starting point to understand what the manosphere is, why it matters, and how to help their students navigate these harmful narratives.”
Dr Stephanie Wescott from the Faculty of Education at Monash University, who co-authored the guide, said the influence of the manosphere has become increasingly visible in school environments.
“The manosphere is not a fringe phenomenon – it is shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young people in very real ways,” Dr Wescott said.
She said educators had been asking for practical support when addressing online content that promotes misogynistic views.
“Our work shows that educators are seeking practical resources that help them navigate these conversations safely and constructively. This guide is designed to meet that need and to support schools to foster respectful, inclusive learning environments.”
ANROWS Chief Executive Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine said the guide forms part of broader efforts to address harmful online narratives affecting young people.
“The manosphere is contributing to attitudes and behaviours that undermine gender equality and can escalate to violence. Educators are on the frontline of this challenge,” Dr Boyd-Caine said.
“This guide equips them with the knowledge and confidence to intervene early and foster safer, more respectful school environments.”
The guide will be presented at the No to Violence Conference, where Dr Wescott is scheduled to speak on a panel examining young people’s online environments and how sectors can respond to emerging online influences.
Developed through the Supporting Schools project, the resource is part of a wider program designed to develop and evaluate professional learning materials for teachers dealing with sexist and misogynistic content circulating online. The guide is now available to schools across Australia through the ANROWS website.
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