TOXIC masculinity is a concept often used in academic circles and the media to discuss socially disruptive attitudes and behaviours, such as misogyny and violent domination.
As we have seen, many young people today, especially teenage boys, begin imitating behaviours associated with toxic masculinity from a very young age.
This behaviour is primarily driven by the videos on social media by several well-known personalities and online influencers.
Such content exposes boys to misogynistic attitudes and may lead them to regard these attitudes as normal, contributing to their increasing prevalence in schools.
This has resulted in a spike in sexist bullying and difficulty adapting to changing gender norms.
Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube feature content in which influencers associate manhood with dominance and wealth, while also displaying hostility towards women.
Recently, a critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries titled Adolescence was released, exploring the harmful impact of toxic masculinity on young boys.
The story follows a 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. It highlights how boys can be drawn into harmful online communities that promote dominance and emotional suppression.
This shows how feelings of isolation can make young boys vulnerable to toxic messages.
Toxic masculinity refers to the negative aspects of exaggerated masculine traits that boys and men often feel pressured to adopt. For example, they may be made to believe that men must always be providers and should never show weakness.
These traits are described as toxic because they can negatively affect boys and men themselves, as well as society in general. Boys and men face social pressures, sometimes without realising it, including expectations about how they should behave.
Even in today’s world, men are expected to be emotionally strong. The phrase “man up” is still used when a man is upset or frightened, reinforcing the idea that emotions such as sadness or fear are unacceptable.
Over time, this can lead to problems with emotional regulation, difficulty forming healthy relationships and even increased risk of mental health struggles.
The impact of toxic masculinity on children
Toxic masculinity can begin affecting children at a very young age.
Research published in 2021 by the National Institutes of Health shows that boys are often discouraged from expressing emotions such as sadness or fear.
Meanwhile, anger and aggression may be normalised or even encouraged. Over time, this can lead to emotional suppression, with boys struggling to identify and express their feelings. This may result in frustration, isolation, poor mental health and aggressive behaviour.
If boys are taught that dominance and toughness are signs of strength, they may resort to aggression to resolve conflicts or assert themselves. It could also make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships.
A lack of emotional awareness can make it difficult to build meaningful and trusting relationships.
Toxic masculinity can also contribute to gender inequality by reinforcing power imbalances and teaching boys that they need to control or dominate others to feel valued. In addition, it can affect their academic and social performance.
Emotional repression and behavioural issues can lead to problems with concentration, communication and cooperation in the classroom.
Why this matter in the classroom
Well, educators have the opportunity to challenge these patterns and help young boys develop a healthier and more balanced understanding of gender and emotion.
Toxic masculinity does not affect only boys. It can create environments in which girls feel undervalued or unsafe and emotional expression is discouraged for everyone.
Teaching children about toxic masculinity from an early age is important because they absorb gender norms early in life, shaping how they express their emotions and interact with others.
Schools and parents should guide young boys in developing emotional intelligence, respect and empathy.
This will also help them resist the influence of harmful online personalities, challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality for everyone.
Priyankka Gunalan is a student at City University Malaysia.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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